Queensland doles out transport cash

<p>The Queensland Government will pump $4bn into transport infrastructure under the state’s 2004&#4705 budget.</p> <p>This will be split into $1.7bn for Queensland general transport and $2.3bn for main roads.</p> <p>Major projects will include the Tugun Bypass, integrated train ticketing and significant new coal lines and track upgrades, Queensland transport minister Paul Lucas said.</p> <p>Citytrain rail improvement will receive $342m of improvements, and many of the state’s key roads including the Caboolture bypass and the Gold Coast Highway will be covered under a $571m arterial roads program.</p> <p>The government will spend $194m on rail infrastructure for the recently announced 110 km spur line for the Xstrata’s Rolleston mine.</p> <p>Funds will also be spent expanding port facilities at Gladstone &#8211 which will take the Rolleston coal &#8211 encompassing the development of berth 3, stockpile 16 and structural works at Barney Point.</p> <p>The Cairns Port Authority will get $75.2m for wharf upgrades, as well as the city seaport facility, which includes a fruit disinfestation facility, and security screening equipment at Cairns airport.</p> <p>In Townsville, $17m will be spent on an upgrade of its coal electric locomotive fleet.</p> <br />