Capricorn Highway drives the heart of CQ
Published on 23 February 2017
The Capricorn Highway is more than just a road; it provides a connection to the heart of Central Queensland and is the arterial link for economic development for communities across Central Queensland.
Yesterday, Councillor Tony Williams and Councillor Neil Fisher met with Central Highlands Regional Council to set a course to improve the Capricorn Highway and how it could enhance the economies of regional Queensland.
Chair of Rockhampton Regional Council’s Infrastructure Committee, Cr Williams, said that to drive economic development in the industries of mining, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing Council is calling on the State and Federal Governments to direct more financial resources to the Capricorn Highway so that Central Queensland can grow as these industries expand.
“The Capricorn Highway plays a significant role in the delivery of supplies for the mining industry and with the pending $22 billion Carmichael Mine in the Galilee Basin now is the time to allocate funds for highway upgrades into the Government’s future capital works program.
“Investment in the highway needs to keep ahead of the development of the coal industry as mines move further into the Galilee Basin such as the China First mine in Alpha. By doing so it will assist in economic development and increase safety for all road users.
“Rockhampton and Central Highlands Council’s will also seek to co-fund an RACQ review of the Capricorn Highway to highlight areas where safety needs to be improved.
“Improving road safety will also improve the perception that the Capricorn Highway is a traveller-friendly highway. When completed this will translate into an increase in tourists travelling between Rockhampton and Barcaldine.”
Central Highlands Mayor Councillor Kerry Hayes echoed Cr Williams’ sentiments, adding that the highway provided vital access to important services.
“Whether it be specialist medical services, sporting and education opportunities or provisions in times of disaster, the Capricorn Highway is a key link for our rural residents,” he said.
“Safety on our roads should always be a top priority and the first step to ensuring this is quality infrastructure. An investment in the highway is an investment in the people of Central Queensland, but also the future prosperity of our great region.”
The 580km Capricorn Highway runs from Rockhampton in the east to Barcaldine in the west and is parallel to the Tropic of Capricorn and to the Rockhampton to Barcaldine rail line. The highway links Rockhampton with the Central Highlands and Central Western Queensland.
Additional Information
The Highway, which has been designated as a State Strategic Road by the Queensland Government, runs through the following cities and towns:
- Rockhampton
- Gracemere
- Duaringa
- Dingo
- Bluff
- Blackwater
- Comet
- Emerald
- Anakie
- Alpha
- Jericho
- Barcaldine
Image: Councillor Neil Fisher, Central Highlands Mayor Kerry Hayes, Councillor Tony Williams and General Manager Central Highlands Development Corporation Sandra Hobbs.