The Queensland government has ruled out charging a toll for the Tugun Bypass while committing $120 million to the controversial project as part of a $3.57 billion transport and roads budget released today.
Premier Peter Beattie says while the state government is committed to the project, it will not let the Commonwealth neglect paying its $60 million share as promised.
"We're committed to Tugun, we're going to do everything possible to see it completed," he says.
Queensland Transport and Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer says the roads allocation is a record, but has had to make up for "major cuts" in federal road funding.
The government will also spend $100 million upgrading the Cairns to Rockhmapton rail line, and $6 million to subsidise air and coach services to regional Queensland.
Another $30 million will be allocated to the Rural and Regional Roads Improvement Program.
The two busways in Brisbane will be extended at a cost of $84 million with the aim of building public transport patronage in Brisbane and easing inner city congestion.
For complete details on roads spending in the Queensland Budget, get a copy of this week's Distribution Online, along with the rest of the top stories in transport and logistics. Telephone 1800 649 578 or email subs@pubserv.com.au.
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