A $138 million commitment to upgrade key beef and northern Queensland roads will unlock economic development opportunities and make it easier to transport cattle to markets, AgForce said today.
AgForce cattle president Bim Struss said Queensland transported the largest volume of cattle in Australia by road over long distances for supply to markets, feedlots, sale yards, abattoirs and ports, so the Federal Government funding for improved transport networks was very welcomed.
"Queensland is home to about half of Australia's cattle herd and employs about 20,000 Queenslanders so an investment in the industry is an investment in the state's future," Mr Struss said.
"The Federal Government's commitment of $56 million for 15 beef road projects and more than $82 million to upgrade four major regional Queensland roads will provide a massive boost to the Queensland cattle industry by reducing transport costs and improving safety on key routes.
"We are particularly excited to see $20 million for road upgrades between the Gracemere saleyards and the Rockhampton abattoirs to provide access for Type 1 road trains, which builds on the Queensland Government's $10 million commitment for stage 1 of this project.
"Transport is a major cost for cattle producers making up about 40 per cent of the market price and this upgrade improves one of the state's biggest bottlenecks, delivering better truck access into Australia's beef capital.
"It will not only improve productivity but also improve animal welfare and driver safety, reducing fatigue.
"We thank the Federal Government for its funding commitment towards upgrading key beef and north Queensland roads, and look forward to work starting as soon as possible."