$100 million boost to improve country roads

Posted on August 26, 2025

The Central Highlands region is set to benefit from the Queensland Government’s new $100 million Country Roads Connect Program, with upgrades to unsealed roads that will improve safety, connectivity, and resilience for local communities.

Central Highlands Regional Council has secured $5 million to upgrade Wyntoon Road, delivering a safer and more reliable link for residents, producers and local industries.

The program will deliver upgrades to 22 regional road projects across Queensland, with councils working in partnership with the state to ensure the funding goes where it is needed most.

Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Janice Moriarty said the funding will bring real benefits to our region and we thank the Queensland Government.

‘Sealing the Wyntoon-Springton Road section will improve road safety and the transporting of grains, cotton and other produce from local properties all year round,’ Mayor Moriarty continued.

‘We are grateful to have funding coming back into our region, especially for rural roads and council is continuing to speak with the State and Federal governments to secure more funding for roads and highways throughout the Central Highlands region.’ 

The program will focus on upgrading unsealed roads, improving year-round access and reducing the risk of communities being cut off during severe weather events.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer Aaron Johansson said the funding will allow council to deliver targeted upgrades that respond directly to community and industry needs.

‘Council understands the unique challenges of our local road network, and this investment enables us to deliver projects that will have the most impact,’ he continued.

‘By partnering with the state government, we can improve the safety and reliability of our roads while ensuring long-term benefits for residents, producers and businesses across the Central Highlands.’

The Country Roads Connect Program is part of the Queensland Government’s Safer Roads, Better Transport Plan.

L-R: Cr Craig Hindmarsh, Mayor Janice Moriarty, Member for Gregory Sean Dillon, Cr Karen Newman, Deputy Mayor Rachael Cruwys, Cr Gillian Wilkins, Cr Robert Donaldson, and Gerard Johnson (President of the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland and owner of Gerard Johnson Transport) at the Wyntoon/Kilmore Roads intersection for the announcement of the $5 million pave and seal project.