Isaac calls for fair share in state budget with roads funding

Published on 29 April 2026

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ISAAC CALLS FOR FAIR SHARE IN STATE BUDGET WITH ROADS FUNDING REQUESTED

Isaac Regional Council is calling on the Queensland Government to deliver a fair return to one of the State’s biggest economic contributors, with a funding request for five critical road upgrades across the Isaac region.

As part of Council’s “QLD, You’re Welcome” campaign ahead of the Queensland State Budget announcement in mid-June, Mayor Cr Kelly Vea Vea has enlisted the help of the community to encourage the government to return a royalties-backed infrastructure funding pathway for the region.

The social media campaign is live and gaining traction online, even after just a few hours of release.

The Isaac region is home to over 30 active coal mines contributes $44.4 billion to Australia’s GDP and generates 57 per cent of Queensland’s resource royalties each year.

Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said despite the region’s enormous contribution to the State economy, Isaac communities were continuing to carry the burden of roads that support both local residents and major industry.

“Isaac helps power Queensland’s economy, but the roads that keep that economy moving are under increasing pressure,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

“Every day these roads carry mine traffic, agricultural freight, construction vehicles, school buses, emergency services and local families. They are regional roads performing a State economic role.”

Roads are a high priority for Council, with 44 per cent of capital budget committed to roads. Even with that investment, the scale of the freight and workforce task now exceeds what a regional council can manage on its own.

“We are not asking for much, we are just asking for roads funding, so that Isaac can continue to work for Queensland,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

Council is seeking State funding in the June budget to support to following priority projects:

  • $22 million for the Peak Downs Highway between Nebo and Moranbah to widen and strengthen 11 kilometres of road and address critical defects
  • $18 million for the Peak Downs Highway between Moranbah and Clermont to widen and strengthen 9 kilometres of road and address critical defects
  • $10 million for Peak Downs Mine Road to widen and strengthen 5 kilometres of road. This project is already scoped and shovel ready
  • $7 million for Saraji Road to widen and strengthen 5 kilometres of road. This project is already scoped and shovel ready
  • $20 million for Dysart–Middlemount Road to widen and strengthen 10 kilometres of road and address critical defects

Mayor Vea Vea said the projects were essential to maintain safety, productivity and economic stability across the Bowen Basin.

“These roads are vital to the mining industry, agriculture, renewable energy construction and the daily lives of our communities. Out here, we have boots on ground 24/7, we’re proud of what we do, but right now, we need a hand from the state, so that we can get on with the job.” she said.

Here is a link to with our campaign video for the ‘Queensland You're Welcome’ campaign: https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/Your-Council/Projects-Priorities-Partnerships/Advocacy/Youre-Welcome-Queensland?transfer=a3c17a05-3c32-4cc5-81bc-56350c04a7b9

ENDS

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