THREE bridges providing transport access to Cape York have been labelled by the Queensland Trucking Association as “high priority” for upgrades.
The QTA has targeted 11 bridges in total it wants to see built or upgraded in the lead up to the federal election.
The Rifle Creek bridge, Spear Creek bridge and McLeod River bridge – all on the Mulligan Highway between Lakeland and Mt Molloy – have been listed by the QTA.
“These bridges are the broken fuse in the network and the reason given to not allow three trailers from Mareeba to Lakeland,” the QTA said.
“These investments would open access to Cape York and the Lakeland agricultural region.”
In a detailed blueprint titled Four the Future of Road Freight, the QTA highlights four pillars for investment – infrastructure investment, industry-led skills training, workplace relations reform and business and payroll tax reforms.
QTA chief executive Gary Mahon said the opportunity must be taken to improve road freight efficiencies for the benefit of the economy and international competitiveness.
“The time is now to make investments to increase the connectivity to export markets and ports and supply our communities in all weather,” he said.
“To achieve this, funding must be directed towards the Inland Freight Route and connecting bridges to strengthen the freight network. Unlocking access for high productivity vehicles will have far-reaching benefits across the entire supply chain and drive industry confidence to safely invest for the future.”
