A major intersection in Hervey Bay will receive a $44 million upgrade to improve road safety for motorists in the region.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt made the pre-budget announcement today that the intersection of Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road will be upgraded.

“The Australian Government is committing $35.3 million towards the upgrade of this very busy intersection, which has been the site of a number of accidents in recent years,” he said.

“Peak-hour traffic congestion sees vehicles back up affecting other neighbouring intersections and there have been safety issues for pedestrians trying to navigate the intersection.

“The project will be a significant undertaking and 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.

“This upgrade will make our local roads safer and reduce travel times for Hervey Bay residents.”

Mr Pitt said this significant investment was part of a 10-year infrastructure pipeline which means more jobs, more local procurement, and a better future for businesses across the country.

As well as boosting infrastructure, the Federal Government is providing additional funding for social and community housing, and helping people get into their own homes.

“An additional $124.7 million will allow the states and territories to meet their social and community housing responsibilities under the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement.

“This funding will also support further capital works such as building maintenance to bolster public housing stocks.

“The Family Home Guarantee will support up to 10,000 guarantees over four years for single parents with dependants starting on 1 July 2021, with a deposit of two percent.

“The New Home Guarantee will be temporarily expanded for a second year, providing an additional 10,000 places in 2021-22 for first home buyers seeking to build a new home or purchase a newly built home with a deposit of as little as five per cent.

“An increase to the maximum amount of voluntary contributions that can be released under the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) to $50,000 from $30,000.”