Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says just 2.6 per cent of the North Coast region roads budget has been allocated to Somerset roads.
Mrs Frecklington said this is an unacceptable amount, given the continued deterioration of the major connecting roads throughout the region.
“It seems unbelievable that our region will be receiving just 2.6% of the total budget for the North Coast region given the Somerset covers an area of 5,373 square kilometres.
“There is no new funding for our major highways like the D’Aguilar or the Brisbane Valley Highway within the Somerset Regional Council area,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“In fact, the Somerset road network has been completely overlooked and once again our regional communities will have to put up with a third class road system. This State Budget continues the Labor Government’s chronic neglect of our regional road upgrades and maintenance.
“Labor really needs to start looking at the Somerset and the huge opportunities we have here.
“But it needs backing with better roads, better health services, water security for irrigators and less red and green tape for our primary producers and small business.
“Most of the projects listed in the Budget for the Somerset are not new projects, they are just reannouncements, like the Kilcoy and Toogoolawah SHS halls.
“I had hoped to see funding for important projects like the Scrub Creek Causeway or the Lockyer and Somerset Water Collaborative pipeline project.
“I’ll continue to push for these issues on behalf of our community,” Deb said.
Photo: The new temporary Scrub Creek Causeway
