The first early works project under the $500 million Central Queensland Beef Roads Program has been delivered, with construction now complete on Clermont–Alpha Road north of Alpha.

A three-kilometre section of the key freight corridor is now sealed, meaning safer journeys for locals and a more reliable and accessible route for the beef industry. 

The Central Queensland Beef Roads Program will progressively upgrade and seal priority sections of nine strategically important freight corridors across Central and Western Queensland. 

This completed section forms part of the early works package which was announced in 2024 to bring forward delivery of the Program. 

Construction is now continuing on Clermont–Alpha Road south of Clermont, Fitzroy Developmental Road north of Bauhinia and Alpha–Tambo Road south of Alpha, while design work progresses on May Downs Road west of Clarke Creek.

Together, these upgrades are helping to strengthen supply chains, supporting regional jobs and building the infrastructure needed to support Queensland’s world-class beef industry into the future.

The Central Queensland Beef Roads Program was advocated for by seven regional councils in central Queensland and is funded with $400 million from the Albanese Government and $100 million from the Crisafulli Government.

For more information, visit Central Queensland Beef Roads program | Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“This is an important milestone not only for the Central Queensland community, but for our agriculture and freight industries who use this road network every day.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver the $500 million Central Queensland Beef Roads Program, supporting safer and more reliable freight connections across some of the state’s most important beef-producing regions.

“Through the early works package, we are delivering priority upgrades that will strengthen supply chains, improve access and support the long-term productivity of Queensland’s cattle industry.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Tim Mander MP:

“We are getting on with the job of improving the regional roads that keep Queensland’s freight, families and local economies moving.

“Completing the first early works project is an important milestone, and it shows how targeted investment can deliver practical improvements for regional industries, local economies and the communities that depend on these routes every day.

“By progressively sealing priority sections of Clermont–Alpha Road, we’re getting Queenslanders home safer and sooner, while strengthening freight reliability and supporting primary producers, transport operators and communities that rely on this corridor every day.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland and State Member for Gregory, Sean Dillon MP:

“This is the culmination of long-running advocacy and will make a real difference for producers, truck drivers and communities.

“This investment is critical for the beef industry’s prosperity, community and social cohesion and the safety of all users. 

“I am excited to see the first project delivered and look forward to seeing work continue on this vital Beef Corridors initiative.” 

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Isaac Regional Council and Queensland Beef Corridors Committee Chair, Kelly Vea Vea:

“Today is about recognising what can be achieved when regional councils and governments work together with a shared vision.

“Central Queensland Beef Roads Program supports one of Australia's most significant beef-producing regions and this project is an important milestone, but there is still more work ahead to improve freight access, safety and resilience across the network.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Barcaldine Regional Council, Rob Chandler:

“The Australian and Queensland governments' commitment to fund the Central Queensland Beef Roads Program will make a huge difference to landholders, self-drive tourism, freight and agriculture right across Central Queensland. Cattle will arrive at their destination in better shape with much less wear and tear on machinery and quicker delivery times.

“The advocacy for this funding has been in the pipeline for many years, and its success is a credit to those who have been involved.”

Quote attributable to Mayor of Banana Shire Council, Nev Ferrier:

"The Central Queensland Beef Roads Program highlights what can be achieved when the Australian and Queensland Governments and seven regional councils work in partnership to deliver safer roads for all road users and strengthen key freight routes across the region.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Central Highlands Regional Council, Janice Moriarty:

“Central Highlands Regional Council supports the Central Queensland Beef Roads Program because better road infrastructure is essential to the strength of our beef industry and the long-term prosperity of our region.

“These corridors are critical supply chain routes for producers, processors and freight operators, and investment in them means safer, more reliable and more resilient roads for all road users.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Gladstone Regional Council, Matt Burnett:

“This milestone shows what targeted investment in strategic freight routes can deliver for regional Queensland. Improved connectivity through the Central Queensland Beef Roads Program has the potential to strengthen supply chains, support agricultural exports and enhance the efficiency of freight movements across Central and Western Queensland. 

“I look forward to seeing continued investment in this crucial road network.”

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure Councillor of Rockhampton Regional Council, Marika Taylor:

“The Central Queensland Beef Roads Program plays a crucial role in connecting producers, communities and markets across our region, and investments like this help ensure those connections remain safe, reliable and resilient.

“Rockhampton Regional Council is proud to support the broader Central Queensland Beef Roads Program, including our contribution towards upgrades on Glenroy Road, which will deliver long-term benefits for freight efficiency, road safety and regional economic growth.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council, Terence Munns:

“Improved road conditions will reduce transport costs, improve access to markets, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the cattle industry and agricultural sector.

“The upgrades will also shorten travel time and improve connectivity, safety and access to essential services and opportunities.”