Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said a much-needed safety upgrade at a notorious intersection in Hervey Bay can start as soon as the Queensland State Labor Government makes it a priority.

The Australian Government committed $35.3 million in the recent Federal Budget towards the $44 million upgrade of the Pialba-Burrum Heads Road and Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road intersection.

Mr Pitt said claims by the State Member for Maryborough that the funding won’t be available until 2024 are incorrect.

“The Queensland Government is responsible for prioritising delivery of projects and determining its infrastructure works schedule.

“As Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Mr Saunders should be aware that Federal Government funding is paid on the completion of project milestones.

“As soon as the Queensland Government decides when it wants to start this project, the Australian Government will bring forward its funding.

“I hope the Member for Maryborough is lobbying his own government to prioritise this project so it can get underway as soon as possible.”

The project is expected to include duplication of Pialba-Burrum Heads Road to four lanes, between Scrub Hill Road and Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road, duplication of Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road from Urraween Road to Pialba-Burrum Heads Road, and lights at the intersection.