The Turnbull-Joyce government is supporting the Queensland cattle industry by undertaking targeted upgrades on roads essential to transportation of cattle, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said.

“The Australian Government has committed over $56 million toward targeted road upgrades and improvements, providing a welcome boost to the Queensland cattle industry,” Mr Chester said.

“This commitment will enable 15 projects to be delivered including $20 million towards the upgrade of the road between Gracemere saleyards and the Rockhampton abattoirs.

“Other projects range from sealing and road widening works that will help boost industry productivity, to increasing road reliability and safety on key routes in the cattle supply chain.

“The Beef Roads Programme recognises moving cattle from the farm gate to market involves some of the longest and most challenging land transport distances of any industry, anywhere in the world.

“I would like to thank Mr David Crombie Director of Australian Agricultural Company and Mr Troy Setter CEO of Consolidated Pastoral Company Pty Ltd for the role they played in helping identify priority projects.

“These proposals have also been modelled by the CSIRO’s TraNSIT model to help identify which proposals delivered the greatest benefits to the northern Australian beef industry.”

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matthew Canavan said the Australian Government was committed to realising the potential of northern Australia.

“The beef industry is the big winner from these investments. With beef prices at record levels, a bigger beef industry is a big part of developing Northern Australia,” Senator Canavan said.

“The upgraded roads will also provide benefits to all road users, including other agricultural industries and the freight sector more broadly.”

The Australian Government is investing up to $100 million in northern Australia under the Beef Roads Programme. The Queensland government is investing $19.19 million.

Note: The full list of Queensland projects is below.