Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Friday I officially opened the much anticipated Tinana interchange on the Bruce Highway. The new interchange was a $30 million election commitment made by my predecessor, the former member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss. The interchange improves travel times and road safety on what was a very dangerous stretch of the national highway. It has transformed the main gateway to Maryborough and the Fraser Coast into a safe and welcoming entrance for locals and visitors who are exploring our beautiful region. The interchange will open up the Fraser Coast to more efficient movement of traffic, including freight. Tourists—particularly the grey nomads who are on holiday to escape the chill down south—will find the interchange significantly more appealing and accessible, increasing the likelihood of them stopping to explore. Importantly, the road will also be safer for local motorists who use the interchange daily to travel between work and home.

I thank Warren Truss for setting the wheels in motion to make this interchange a reality and I also thank the nearby businesses, who have shown much patience and perseverance with these extended roadworks. Now the roadworks are complete, I hope to see those local businesses thrive from the increase in traffic. This upgrade will provide lasting benefits for both the Fraser Coast community and motorists. I welcome its completion.