A SIGNIFICANT cash injection could be on the way for the bay islands after the state opposition announced it would give $5 million to council's green sealing program if an LNP government was elected in October.
Roads are shaping as a hot-button issue in the Redlands race, with the state government announcing a $2.5 million investment in island roads using funds secured under the Works for Queensland program.
Dirt roads on the bay islands have long been a source of irritation for locals, who have raised concerns about health issues caused by dust and bemoaned the delay in essential infrastructure works.
The LNP hope the investment, part of a $1 billion infrastructure plan, would help complete work on about half of the remaining unsealed roads.
It said at least $15.5 million was required to seal the remaining 50 kilometres of roads on Russell and Macleay islands.
A total of $12.3 million has been spent under council's green seal program since it was launched in 2014.
LNP leader Deb Frecklington, who visited Russell Island on Friday, said the infrastructure package was fully-funded and would help create jobs.
"The Southern Moreton Bay Islands are not on Labor's map when it comes to investing in infrastructure and communities," she said.
"The LNP will fund better island roads because we believe in investing for growth, creating secure jobs and providing a better future for every community."
Redlands MP Kim Richards said the government's contribution would see more than 40 road lengths sealed, creating 25 local jobs.
"I have advocated strongly for my community to see the benefits of funding for island projects in the Works for Queensland Program," she said.
"I am delighted that round two of this program is now delivering much needed investment into our Southern Moreton Bay Islands."
Bowman MP Andrew Laming said the state government had moved quickly to make the announcement after getting wind of the LNP's plan in an effort to upstage Redlands LNP candidate Henry Pike.
"This is another instance of too little, too late from a government that has had 25 years to invest their first dollar into sealing island roads," he said.
Ms Richards has called for Mr Laming to match the government's effort, with a further $2 million in federal funding.
It comes after last month's $1.7 million federal injection into roadworks, which Mr Laming urged council to spend on green sealing.
Redlands LNP candidate Henry Pike said the opposition wanted to get the job done quickly and end bickering about whose responsibility it was.
"Helping local communities with critical infrastructure investment is a key part of the LNP's plan to create a stronger economy and get Queensland working again," he said.
Mayor Karen Williams said it was the first time that all three levels of government had acknowledged infrastructure and job requirements on the islands.
"It will certainly fast-track not only employment opportunities, but the sealing of gravel roads which has caused concerns for residents here for many years," she said.
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