MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 05 June 2009 AA297/2009

FIRST LEVEL CROSSING UPGRADES NEARING COMPLETION IN QUEENSLAND The first eight of 66 level crossing upgrades funded in Queensland under the Rudd Labor Government's Economic Stimulus Package will be completed by the end of this month. In just three months, boom gates and flashing lights have been installed at eight high-risk level crossings across Queensland. I congratulate the State Government for moving so quickly to put Federal stimulus money to work improving the safety of our road and rail networks. Last year alone there were 18 collisions, 5 fatalities and 4 serious injuries at level crossings in Queensland. The investment is also supporting local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession. The projects nearing completion are: Location Upgrade Description Maher Road - Gordonvale Flashing Lights and Boom Gates Bluewater Drive - Townsville Flashing Lights and Boom Gates Toolakea beach Road - Townsville Flashing Lights and Boom Gates Ellis Road - Bellenden Ker Flashing Lights and Boom Gates Schillings Road - Calliope Flashing Lights and Boom Gates Edgewood Drive - Emerald Flashing Lights and Boom Gates Toomulla Beach Road - Toomulla Flashing Lights and Boom Gates Hencamp Road - Kinduro Flashing Lights and Boom Gates   Our $150 million Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program will see boom gates and other safety measures installed at 292 high risk level crossings around the country. Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/June/aa297_2009.htm