Major sealing upgrades commence for key access route on Stanage Bay Road

The first stage of works is set to begin next month on the major project of sealing 39.7 kilometres of Stanage Bay Road.

The $21.6m project, which is fully-funded through the Federal Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, involves the upgrade of unsealed sections of Stanage Bay Road to sealed road standard between the Bruce Highway and the Army Access gate.

Mayor Andy Ireland said the upcoming commencement of these works marked a huge step forward for both the Stanage community and the wider Livingstone Shire.

“Completion of this project will provide a nationally recognised ‘fit-for-purpose’ road corridor, appropriate for the scale and volume of the growing number of military and associated heavy transport vehicles that are currently traversing this Council maintained road, while also delivering economic and other benefits such as improved safety and access for all vehicles,” Mayor Ireland said. 

“This major infrastructure project will not only create jobs during the construction phase, it will also create future opportunities to progressively build a stronger and more vibrant tourism industry at Stanage Bay Township.

“Council would like to sincerely thank Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry for her support towards this vital infrastructure project, as well as the Australian Government for its substantial funding contribution.”

Portfolio holder of Transport (Roads, Drainage, Pathways) Councillor Glenda Mather said increased heavy vehicle traffic usage due to military exercises had placed greater pressure on Stanage Bay Road, the primary northern access route to Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Stanage Bay Township. 

“This road is a critical access route for Australian Defence Forces, our primary producers, Stanage Bay Township and Emergency Services and these upgrades will dramatically improve access for all of its users,” Cr Mather said.

“The sealing of the remainder of this section of road will also reduce Council’s ongoing scheduled maintenance.”

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said she is pleased that road works will start soon for Stanage Bay Road.

“I pledged $21.6 million at the Federal Election last year and I am happy to see it be used to start construction,” Ms Landry said. 

“Stanage Bay Road has a reputation across the region as being particularly troublesome for local graziers, fisherman, and travellers who often have to contend with poor conditions on the road.

“With funding from the Federal Government’s ROSI program, we can help ensure our motorists can travel to Stanage Bay via the Bruce Highway safely and on time.

“I would like to thank Mayor Andy Ireland and Livingstone Shire Council for working constructively with the Federal Government,” Ms Landry said.

The entire project is expected to be completed within three years, with potential interruptions to normal traffic flows during various stages of the works.