THE tender for the construction of the Cloncurry Heavy Vehicle Bypass was awarded last week by Cloncurry Shire Council to Probuild Civil.
Cloncurry Mayor Andrew Daniels said the Heavy Vehicle Bypass is a significant project for the region and will benefit our community greatly.
“Cloncurry is the heart of the North West Queensland Mineral Province. The Province produces 80 per cent of Queensland’s mineral wealth totaling $7.36 billion,” Mr Daniels said.
“According to the Queensland Resource Council, Cloncurry LGA is the fourth highest royalties contributor in the State, generating around $119 million in royalties for the State Government each year,” he said.
“All in all, it means a lot of heavy vehicles and road trains.
“We are trying to eliminate, as much as possible, the presence of heavy vehicles on local and residential roads making it safer for the community.
“Both the State and Federal Governments have prioritised Cloncurry as a major rural activity centre and their financial contribution to the Heavy Vehicle Bypass demonstrates their commitment to the development and sustainability of the North West.”
The Cloncurry Heavy Vehicle Bypass is funded by the Federal Government Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development National Building Program and the State Government Royalties to the Regions program.
Cloncurry is identified as a major rural activity centre according to the Queensland Government North West Regional Plan and the same sentiments are echoed in the Regional Development Australia Regional Roadmap, the Queensland Government Moving Freight Strategy and The Coalition’s 2030 Vision for Development Northern Australia.
“As a Mayor, it is positive to see local industries getting behind the development of the North West too. The Heavy Vehicle Bypass Project will complement the proposed multi-million dollar multi user load out facility to the east of the Cloncurry Township.
“The combination of the Heavy Vehicle Bypass and multi-user rail load out facility will improve the efficiency of mining operations and capacity to export resources from the North West Queensland Mineral Province to eastern ports.”
The Cloncurry Heavy Vehicle Bypass scope of works includes;
- Flinders Highway intersection and an upgrades intersection at Round Oak Round.
- Bypass Road between the Flinders Highway and Hensley Drive
- Various smaller intersections along the route including Railway Street, Fred Mackay Road an upgrade to the Sir Hudson Fysh intersection.
The contact is due to commence in the next four weeks, with a completion date of mid-December.
“An important condition of the contract includes considerable use of local resources,” said Daniels.
“Over 60 per cent of the works will be completed by locals.”
“Securing local procurement is a priority for Council for all its projects, where possible.”
Public notices will be issued closer to the commencement of works for road works and other disruptions.
