THE Boundary Road extension through Hervey Bay is an important project to put infrastructure on the ground in a rapidly growing community.
That is the view of Fraser Coast Division 8 Councillor Denis Chapman who participated in a sod-turning ceremony at the corner of Boundary Road and Denmans Camp Road this morning.
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Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and SGQ’s Bob Goodwin also helped break the ground ahead of the much-anticipated project.
The extension will provide the missing link between Boundary Road and Urraween Road – connecting Urangan with the Hervey Bay hospital precinct and areas towards Dundowran.
“This is an example of how local, State and Federal Governments are working together to improve infrastructure,” explained Cr Chapman.
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He said the new thoroughfare would help take traffic away from Boat Harbour Drive and provide another east-west route through the city.
“We need to be looking 20 to 30 years into the future. We already need this connection now, but it is a must for the future. Infrastructure must be in place before the population expands further.”
Mr Pitt said the sod-turning ceremony came almost three-years to the day since the Hinkler Regional Deal was announced.
“This project will be good for jobs, the local economy and the future prospects of Hervey Bay,” Mr Pitt said.
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“The Bay is booming and it is exciting to see the project getting underway.”
Mr Pitt said the 1.9km stretch of road would change the way people get around Hervey Bay and should be viewed as an investment in safety and the local economy.
The Australian Government is contributing $7.7-million to the project as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal.
The Queensland Government is providing $3.1-million and the Fraser Coast Regional Council $15.7-million.
Local construction company SGQ will build the road.
The company’s Bob Goodwin said the project will be completed by June 2023, weather permitting.
“I really want to thank Council for awarding the project to a local company. This is great for jobs and it will keep the money in the community,” said Mr Goodwin.
“It is definitely a feather in our cap to be the chosen construction company and the work is well within our capabilities.”
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Mr Goodwin said weather would probably be the biggest challenge facing construction crews.
He said it was great to see the local, State and Federal Governments working together.
“It’s the only way we can all move forward,” he said.
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