The Government of Queensland has allocated A$1bn ($755m) in its 2017-18 budget for road and infrastructure projects in the Sunshine Coast region, Australia.  

Funding is expected to create more than 2,900 jobs over the next year.

Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said: "We are getting on with the job of six-laning the Bruce Highway and completing the intersection upgrades at Kawana and Nicklin Way.

"These projects will allow motorists to spend less time in the car and more time at home with family and friends."

The government expects to boost road safety with investments on road projects and upgrades in the region.

Queensland Minister for Environment Steven Miles noted that the road projects in Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay are complemented by the infrastructure projects currently underway.

"These projects will allow motorists to spend less time in the car and more time at home with family and friends."

Miles said: “Across the state, we are working with councils to build projects that will make a real difference to communities and deliver local jobs.

“We are delivering major infrastructure projects such as a new primary school in Caloundra South and major hospital upgrades at Caloundra and Caboolture.”

The projects are part of the government’s A$42bn ($31bn) infrastructure fund that will be spent over the next four years.

Bailey further added: "The Palaszczuk Government is committed to continuing to invest in vital infrastructure funding, building our roads network, boosting productivity, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

"We’re repairing the damage done by the LNP who slashed roads funding by A$600m and stalled countless projects across Queensland."

The road projects, either partly or completely funded, include Bruce Highway from four to six lanes from Caloundra Road to the Sunshine Motorway with an investment of A$929.3m ($701m), and Bruce Highway and Boundary Road interchange with an investment of A$100.4m ($75.5m).