AgForce has welcomed a Queensland Government commitment to fix road train access to the Rockhampton meat processors.

AgForce Transport chair Leo Neill-Ballentine said an upgrade to the access was a key priority for AgForce, targeting supply chain inefficiency.

“It’s fantastic that the State Government has committed to kickstarting this project as there are real economic benefits for both Queensland’s economy and consumers,” Mr Neill-Ballentine said.

“Transport is a major cost for cattle producers and this upgrade improves one of the State’s biggest bottlenecks, delivering better truck access into Australia’s beef capital.

“It will not only improve productivity but also improve animal welfare and driver safety, reducing fatigue.

“Fixing two intersections to the processors on Lakes Creek Road is an important first step to allowing Type 1 road trains access.”

The Queensland Government announced $10 million to upgrade the access as part of the State Infrastructure Plan yesterday. The funding will be used to upgrade two North Rockhampton intersections at Moores Creek Road and Musgrave Street, and Queen Elizabeth Drive and Bridge Street.

A further $40 million has been set aside to fix five aging wooden bridges on the Dawson Highway between Gladstone and Biloela.

“The beef and cattle industry is growing the Queensland economy and transport bottle necks are inevitably passed on to consumers,” Mr Neill-Ballentine said.

“AgForce’s Transport Working Group has been lobbying to achieve these types of outcomes and we’ll continue to seek further funding from the Federal Government to support the State’s commitment.

“A number of members met with the Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Director General Neil Scales at the recent Gladstone Community Cabinet and I’m pleased to see that the government is listening to our concerns.”

Source: AgForce