Media Releases

Safety Improved on the Dukes Highway

A package of safety upgrades at key locations along the Dukes Highway has been completed in time for the summer holidays.

A safer ride for motorists using the Bruce Highway in Mackay

A safer ride for motorists is now a reality with works completed on the $12.3 million upgrade of the Farrellys Road and Schmidtke Road intersection of the Bruce Highway in Mackay.
(Media release issued by James Bidgood Federal Member for Dawson and Tim Mulherin State Member for Mackay)

Approval of Adelaide Airport's 2009 Master Plan

I have approved Adelaide Airport's 2009 Master Plan which establishes its future direction and investment program.

Major Project Facilitation Status for Woodside Pluto Expansion

I have granted Major Project Facilitation (MPF) status to Woodside's proposed Pluto LNG Expansion Project, underscoring our efforts to support investments which will position Australia to take full advantage of the global economic recovery.

The Lives Of You And Your Loved Ones Are In Your Hands

Federal Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, has joined forces with Australia's peak motoring body, the Australian Automobile Association, in calling on drivers to take care over the Christmas-New Year holiday period.

$6.1 Million Upgrades Commence On Waterworld Aquatic Centre

Ridgehaven residents in South Australia will soon have a state of the art water facility with construction commencing today on the Waterworld Aquatic Centre.

Murray Community Infrastructure Projects Completed

The NSW town of Moama celebrated today the official opening of 13 community infrastructure projects within the Murray Shire Council area.

Grant District Infrastructure Projects Opened

Fifteen community infrastructure projects were officially opened today across the Grant District in South Australia.

$673,000 Albury Community Infrastructure Projects Completed

The NSW town of Albury today celebrated the opening of five community infrastructure projects which will greatly benefit local residents.

$20 Million Investment In Fitzgerald River National Park

The Australian Government will partner with the Western Australian Government to upgrade the roads within the Fitzgerald River National Park as well as build a new coastal walking trail and renovate its existing visitor facilities.

$1.25 Million In Campaspe Infrastructure Projects Completed

The northern Victorian Shire of Campaspe is this week celebrating the opening of six community infrastructure projects which will provide lasting benefits to the region.

$8.4 Million Library And Community Centre Opens In Mount Gambier

Residents of Mount Gambier in South Australia have a new Library and Community Centre in time for the holiday season, with the official opening being celebrated today.

Construction Work Underway at Pakenham Library and Hall

Construction began today at the site for the new Pakenham Library and Hall on the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria.

Tenders Called For New Trailer Exchange At Nhill

Construction of the new $11.4 million trailer exchange on the Western Highway at Nhill is set to get underway next year with companies interested in building the first stage of a truck rest stop encouraged to submit a bid under the tender process.

Another Economic Stimulus Project Completed: Maroona To Serviceton Re-Sleepering

A major milestone in the modernisation of the East West rail corridor has been reached with the re-sleepering of line between Maroona to Serviceton now completed.

Work Begins On $14.8 Million Library and Learning Centre

Residents of Craigieburn in Melbourne's North came a step closer today to the completion of their new library and learning centre, with the official commencement of construction works.

Construction Begins On Katherine Regional Cultural Precinct

Residents of Katherine in the Northern Territory today came a step closer to the completion of their new Regional Cultural Precinct with the official commencement of construction works.

Sod Turned On $310 Million Banora Point Upgrade

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and Federal MP for Richmond Justine Elliot today turned the first sod on the $310 million Banora Point Pacific Highway upgrade.

National Aviation Policy Statement Released

The Rudd Labor Government has today released its National Aviation Policy Statement, a road map to help secure the future of the industry while maintaining the highest safety and security standards and addressing community needs.

Contract Awarded For Stage 3 Of Kirkwood Road

Construction of Kirkwood Road (Stage 3) is expected to start early in the new year following the awarding of the contract to Golding Contractors.
(Media release issued by Gladstone Regional Council and Chris Trevor Federal Member for Flynn)

Centre Of Excellence For Local Government Officially Open

Today, I officially opened the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government, which was funded through an $8 million grant from the Rudd Labor Government.

Nunawading Station Crowned With New Roof Canopy

The next major milestone for the $140 million Springvale Road Rail Separation project has been achieved with the station roof canopies now installed for the new Nunawading Rail Station.

Economic Stimulus: Passing Loop At Kilbride Upgraded

The modernisation of the Sydney to Brisbane rail corridor has reached another major milestone with today's opening of the newly extended passing loop at Kilbride between Maitland and Dungog.

Economic Stimulus: more Boom Gates for Queensland

Work is now complete on the installation of boom gates and other safety measures at two high risk level rail crossings in Queensland, with funding from the Rudd Labor Government's Economic Stimulus Plan.

Wacol To Darra Upgrade Set For Early Completion

The upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway between Wacol and Darra will be completed six months early, with motorists set to be driving on this new section of road by the middle of next year.

Victorian Black Spots Undergo Safety Upgrades

Work is now underway on safety upgrades at a further eight high risk black spots in Victoria with funding from the Rudd Labor Government's Economic Stimulus Plan.

Dilston Bypass Contract Signed

A contract for the construction of the Dilston Bypass on the East Tamar Highway was signed today in a joint federal-state ceremony attended by the Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme Sturges and the Federal Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell.
(Media release issued by Jodie Campbell MP Federal Member for Bass and Graeme Sturges MP Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure )

New Windsor Park Community Wellbeing Centre Underway

Ms Jodie Campbell MP, Federal Member for Bass, today officially turned the first sod to mark the start of work on the almost $12 million Windsor Park Multi Purpose Community Leisure and Wellbeing Centre Project in Windsor Park.

Gateway to Illawarra Region to be Revamped

Jennie George MP, Federal Member for Throsby, officially turned the first sod with Mr David Jesson, General Manager for Shellharbour City Council, on the over $2.3 million 'Destination Albion Park' project south of Wollongong today.

Flinders Street Redevelopment Underway

Work has started on the $56 million redevelopment of Townsville's Flinders Street, a project that has benefited from the Rudd Labor Government's Economic Stimulus Plan.

Motorists to Benefit From Peak Downs Highway Upgrade

Work is continuing on the $28.7 million upgrade to the Peak Downs Highway east of Nebo with work now underway on the 4.8 kilometre section of the project between the Suttor Road turn-out and Fiery Creek.
(Media release issued by Kirsten Livermore Federal Member for Capricornia and Craig Wallace Minister for Main Roads)

Contract Awarded for Western HWY Overtaking Lanes

Construction of two additional overtaking lanes on the Western Highway west of Kaniva is set to start early next year, the first major works in a series of improvements on the road between Stawell and the South Australian border.

Another Economic Stimulus Project Completed: Cootamundra To Parkes Re-Sleepering

A major milestone in the modernisation of the East West rail corridor has been reached with completion of the 201 kilometre Cootamundra to Parkes concrete re-sleepering project.
(Media release issued by Steve Hutchins Senator for New South Wales and David Marchant ARTC Chief Executive Officer)

Capital City Strategic Planning Systems

State and Territories will have capital city strategic plans by 2012 that meet national criteria for transport, housing, urban development and sustainability.

Gunning & Crookwell Celebrate New Community Facilities

The rural towns of Gunning and Crookwell in New South Wales now have access to $165,000 worth of upgraded community facilities.

Work Begins On $4.6 Million Leschenault Sporting Project

Work officially commenced today on the $4.6 million Leschenault Expanded Playing Fields and Infrastructure Project at Australind in the Harvey Shire in Western Australia.

Tenders Called For Construction Of Kingston Bypass

Tenders have been called for the construction of the $41.5 million Kingston Bypass.

Green Light For Gold Coast Rapid Transit

The search is on for a team to build and operate the first light rail project in Queensland, with expressions of interest called for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project.

Economic Stimulus: More Boom Gates For South Australia

Over the coming fortnight work will start installing boom gates and other safety measures at five priority level rail crossings in South Australia, with funding coming from the Rudd Labor Government's Economic Stimulus Plan.

Economic Stimulus: Installation of More Boom Gates in NSW

Over the coming fortnight work will start installing boom gates and other safety measures at a further two priority level rail crossings in NSW, with funding coming from the Rudd Labor Government's Economic Stimulus Plan.

Port Pirie Takes A Dip In $1 Million Upgraded Pool

Port Pirie residents have a revamped swimming spot in time for the holiday season, following today's official opening of the $1 million upgraded Port Pirie Swimming Pool.

Construction Kicks Off At $4.6 Million Lefevre Project

Lefevre Peninsula residents came one step closer today to having a new multi-purpose sports facility with work officially commencing today on the new Lefevre Community Centre.

New William Street Access for Ipswich Motorway

Work on the Ipswich Motorway upgrade between Dinmore and Goodna is not slowing down for Christmas, with several milestones on track to be delivered before the end of the year, including a new direct access to the motorway on-ramp at Goodna.
(Media release issued by Bernie Ripoll Federal Member for Oxley and Craig Wallace Queensland Minister for Main Roads )

New Counter Piracy Guidelines Released

The Australian Government has published new guidelines outlining measures shipping operators and seafarers should take in order to detect, deter and prevent piracy and robbery at sea.

Shoalhaven Celebrates $2.8 Million in New Community Facilities

Shoalhaven residents today celebrated the opening of 18 local infrastructure projects across the region.

Infrastructure Improvements Open in Leeton

Residents of Leeton will be able to enjoy upgraded parking and CBD pedestrian amenities with the opening of four community infrastructure projects including the Sycamore Street Car Park and footpath upgrade in Leeton today.

Australia Maintains Role on World Maritime Body

Australia has retained its seat on the governing body of the international organisation charged with lifting safety standards in the shipping industry and protecting the world's oceans from marine pollution.

Shared Footpaths and Cycleways Open in Griffith

Today marked the official opening of five new and upgraded shared footpaths and cycleways in Griffith.

Work Begins on $3.47 Million Projects in the Eastern Riverina

The official commencement of works was marked with a ceremony today at the $450,000 Temora Rural Museum project in the Eastern Riverina.

Over $1 Million In Infrastructure Opened In Wagga Wagga

Four community infrastructure projects in the Riverina town of Wagga Wagga were officially opened today the Botanic Gardens Precinct development, the Belling Park Basketball Half Court, the Rural Villages Recreation Initiative and the Menshed Development.