By Matthew Pearce
Senator Matt Canavan has accused the State and Federal governments of pushing completion on the Rockhampton Ring Road “out into the Never Never”, with no Federal Government funding allocated at all for the 2026-27 financial year.
With funding profiles for government projects in the Infrastructure Investment Program publicly released this week, Senator Canavan questioned why funding for early works had been spread out over multiple years and no funding allocated in 2026-27.
Under Forward Estimates, the Australian Government’s share of the joint Federal-State project is listed as: 31.6m in 22-23: 30m in 23-24: 30m; 30m in 24-25, 20m in 25-26, 0 in 26-27.
Outside of Forward Estimates, 290.6m is listed for 27-28, 120m for 28-29, 174m for 29-30 and 80.7m for 30-31.
Addressing the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee on Monday, 22 May, Mr Canavan asked why the funding commitment “dropped to 0” in 2026-27.
In response, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Deputy Secretary David Hallinan said the dates were expected to change, with a firmer estimate on funding expected to be provided in the next 12 to 24 months, subject to information from the Queensland Government.
“We have worked on slowing the intensity of construction in trying to reduce reliance on a fly-in, fly-out workforce and create a greater local presence in construction,” he said.
Mr Hallinan said the department had not received any requests for additional funding and that no reduction in scope or change in nature of the project had been considered.
Senator Canavan said the end date on the project “kept getting pushed back”.
“I am concerned that the Queensland Government seems to be moving at a snail’s pace and pushing the much needed Ring Road to the never never,” he said.
‘The Federal Government is waiting for a new submission so what is taking Queensland Labor so long?
“It seems like Labor is too busy building stadiums for the Olympics than delivering on their commitment to build a Ring Road.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts said the Federal and State Governments had jointly committed $1.065 billion to the Rockhampton Ring Road on an 80:20 funding split, with the Federal Government providing $852 million.
“On 13 December 2022 the Australian and Queensland governments announced a $280 million early works package as part of the project,” they said.
“The Australian Government’s share of that funding ($80 million) was reflected in the May 2023-24 Budget.”
The spokesperson said public utility and land management works were now underway.
“The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has advised early works – which include geotechnical investigations, building demolition and other essential pre-construction works – are expected to start later this year and continue up to 2025-26.”
The spokesperson confirmed the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts was working with the Queensland Government to confirm the timing of the next stage of construction for the Rockhampton Ring Road.
State Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke accused Senator Canavan of “once again using his considerable taxpayer-funded resources to sow doubt and unnecessary anxiety” about the project for political reasons.
“It’s what I’ve come to expect from him, sadly,” he said.
“Here’s the truth: The Ring Road is being delivered. I’ve confirmed it. The Premier has confirmed it. The Prime Minister came up to Rocky and confirmed it himself.
“Tenders will be announced soon and work will start this year and will continue over the coming years.
“This is a great project for Rocky and I’m focused on making sure local workers, families and businesses benefit as much as possible, while also limiting the impact on local housing at the moment.”
Mr O’Rourke said there were ongoing discussions between the state and federal governments around the logistics of upcoming stages.
“This is normal for a multi-year, $1b plus project,” he said.
“If funding needs to be brought forward, I’ll be pushing for it to be brought forward. What matters is that we have a consistent pipeline for work to support locals and our economy over a number of years.”
The Ring Road project will deliver a new 14.7km section of the Bruce Highway west of Rockhampton including a new crossing of the Fitzroy River, with key linkages into the city at the Ridgelands Road, Alexandra St and the Bruce Highway /Rockhampton–Yeppoon Road intersection.