MORE than $100 million will be spent on vital road projects in North Queensland in a bid to stimulate the economy post-pandemic.
The Federal Government today announced a $1.5 billion nationwide infrastructure package, which includes fast-tracking 'shovel ready' projects.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said northern Australia would be a major beneficiary of the funding, which would provide an immediate boost to the economy and support hundreds of jobs.
"Targeting key freight, community access and tourist routes across the North, this package will fund shovel-ready infrastructure projects which will support local jobs immediately," Mr McCormack said.
In North Queensland, about $100 million will be spent in the Kennedy electorate alone.
This includes $37.5 million to upgrade the Kennedy Highway between Mareeba and Atherton and $25 million for widening the Gregory Development Road between Charters Towers and the Lynd.
The Cloncurry-Dajarra Road will get $20 million, the Burke Development Road will be progressively sealed at a cost of $14 million and the Richmond to Winton Road will get $13 million.
Kennedy MP Bob Katter welcomed the funding, saying work would begin within months to improve safety, freight routes and tourism connections.
Mr Katter said his office, and those of state MPs Robbie Katter, Nick Dametto and Shane Knuth, had brought the projects to the attention of state and federal ministers and it was a relief to see them progress.
"We have met with Scott Buchholz multiple times and he has also toured the electorate and knows these projects intimately and their importance for the cattle, livestock, horticulture and tourism industries," Mr Katter said.
"Some of these roads are dangerous to the point of death."
A total of $415 million will be spent on projects across Queensland with the federal government contributing $324.3 million and Queensland government $90.3 million.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland and Australian Governments would continue working closely together to get shovels in the ground to support local jobs and the economy as soon as possible.
"Investing in lasting infrastructure projects now will also benefit Queenslanders in the years to come, strengthening our economy in the long run," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"Shovel-ready upgrades we're investing in include the Burke and Gregory Developmental roads as well as smaller works right across the regional network to improve safety, accessibility and flood immunity."