Study funded for Cunningham’s Gap

The Warwick Chamber of Commerce has confirmed they have successfully obtained a commitment from the federal Coalition to fund a study into the options at Cunningham’s Gap.
In addition the Coalition has also pledged to consider funding for an overpass at the Eight Mile intersection in the next round of Infrastructure Funding Agreements if a Coalition Government was elected.
Chamber president David Littleproud said this was a fantastic result for the Southern Downs community and the Chamber took a leading hand in delivering this because members believe this is the major priority for the economic development of the region.
Mr Littleproud said Federal Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott had worked tirelessly with the Chamber to secure this funding which would not have been achieved without his direct pressure on Warren Truss, the Shadow Roads Minister.
The Chamber also invited Roads Minister Anthony Albanese to visit both sites and meet with affected locals but he declined the invitation and basically ruled out any consideration for funding for both projects.
Mr Littleproud said it would seem that the Great Dividing Range is not only a
physical barrier for this government but also a political one as they don’t seem to want to invest in any major project west of the divide.
The Chamber believes that this will now put all the options on the table after proper investigation and allow an effective debate on Cunningham’s Gap to take place.
Mr Littleproud said whether it be a tunnel, Spicers Gap, upgrade of the Clifton Gatton Road for truck use or even a further upgrade to the Gap, all the options need to be looked at so we can take this debate to a new level and start the process of securing funding.