RDA Townsville and North West Queensland (RDA TNWQ) are playing a lead role in facilitating the development of the Inland Queensland Roads Action Plan (IQ-RAP).
IQ-RAP is the first of its type in Australia, which has been developed through a collaboration of 47 funding partners, including several RDA committees.
RDA TNWQ first considered the concept of such a plan, after the success of the Bruce Highway Action Plan in securing funding commitments from the Australian and Queensland governments.
In December 2013, RDA TNWQ engaged with other RDAs in central, north and south west Queensland and held a forum in Longreach, where the Interim Working Group was formed and RDA TNWQ took on the role of Secretariat.
The other RDA committees involved are Far North Queensland and Torres Strait, Darling Downs South West, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday and Fitzroy and Central West.
IQ-RAP Secretariat and RDA TNWQ Chief Executive Officer Glenys Schuntner said there was an opportunity for achieving regional economic development outcomes through greater investment on inland roads through greater cross-regional collaboration.
“Common goals to create jobs, develop and sustain our regional communities, improve productivity for all industries and businesses and safety for all using the inland Queensland road network, have resulted in a strategic alliance of RDA committees, 33 councils, eight Regional Roads and Transport Groups and RACQ,” Ms Schuntner said.
IQ-RAP Working Group Chair Cr Peter Maguire said the plan identifies the road network and prioritises upgrades over the next 18 years. Click here to read more.
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