The federal government is doing a deep dive into major projects across the country with Riverway Drive Stage 2 subject to scrutiny. Find out why.
The federal government announced its Infrastructure Investment Program Strategic Review as part of the 2023-24 budget, which was tipped to build a foundation of a more sustainable, credible and nation-building program.
It is one of three projects in the Herbert electorate to be reviewed, with the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor planning and preservation works on the line and kerb and channel works to Palm Island streets under consideration.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has said “it’s not good enough” that the funding designated for the key project by his government was now under review.
Map of Riverway Drive Stage 2 upgrades. Picture: TMR
Riverway Drive upgrades have also been a pet project of Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper, who campaigned on stage two as part of his 2020 state election campaign.
The project is also tied up with the new pipeline which will run from the Douglas Water Treatment Plant to the Ross River Dam, which currently runs under Riverway Drive and is in the process of being replaced.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper. Picture: Evan Morgan
The Riverway Drive State 2 project includes 3.1km of upgrades, the widening of 1.6km between Allambie Lane and Hammond Way to four lanes.
It is expected to improve congestion.
Mr Thompson said the project had been budgeted for since 2020.
“We fought hard for this funding while in government because we knew the benefits not just to easing congestion but improving safety for residents and schoolchildren in the Upper Ross,” he said.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson. Picture: Shae Beplate.
“It’s an absolute kick in the guts to think that Riverway Drive State Two might be axed.”
The Herbert MP said the community could afford further delays. The Transport and Main Roads website says early works on the project will begin in late 2023.
Mr Harper has previously touted the importance of the upgrade, saying stage one of the project helped open up opportunities for further private investment in the Upper Ross.
Infrastructure Department secretary Jim Betts told Senate estimates last month that decisions on the projects would be made by the end of the year and would be based on findings of the audit.
He said the review was not necessarily going to be a cut or a delay.
The project was funded through an 80:20 split between the federal and state governments.
The strategic review will assess projects funded through the Infrastructure Investment Program and make recommendations about if they should continue, it will also make recommendations about transitioning the program to a 10-year rolling pipeline that targets appropriately costed, nationally significant infrastructure projects.