Construction Begins on Transformational East West Connector

Published on 17 June 2026

Livingstone Shire Council has marked the official commencement of construction on the East West Connector (EWC) Stage 1, with local contractor JRT Group awarded the construction contract for one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects.

The milestone was celebrated today with a sod-turning ceremony attended by Council representatives, State Government officials and project partners, marking the beginning of works that will unlock future housing supply, improve transport connectivity and support the Capricorn Coast’s growing communities.

Once complete, the East West Connector will create a vital new transport corridor linking key residential, commercial and tourism areas across the Capricorn Coast while easing pressure on existing road networks.

Mayor Adam Belot said the start of construction represented a defining moment for the region.

“This is a major milestone for Livingstone and a project that will help shape the future of our region for decades to come,” Mayor Belot said.

“The East West Connector is more than just a road. It is critical enabling infrastructure that will unlock housing opportunities, improve connectivity, reduce congestion and support sustainable growth across the Capricorn Coast.”

“Today we move from planning and design into delivery, and that is something our community can be incredibly excited about.”

Mayor Belot said Stage 1 of the East West Connector is being delivered through the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund (RAF) Round 1.

“This project will unlock access to approximately 1,500 future residential lots within the Hidden Valley precinct, and we sincerely thank the State Government for its $25 million contribution through the Residential Activation Fund.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government is pulling every lever available to unlock land and get more homes built for Queenslanders.

“The Crisafulli Government is investing in the roads, water, sewerage and drainage infrastructure needed to unlock new housing and support growing communities.

“This project is proof that our Residential Activation Fund is delivering real outcomes on the ground and helping deliver a place to call home for more Central Queenslanders."

Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton MP said the East West Connector is a game‑changing project, a corridor of connection, confidence and capability for our region.

“This investment delivers real progress for our region, driving housing, boosting jobs and building the backbone for a stronger, smarter, more sustainable Capricorn Coast,” Mr Hutton said.

“For the hard-working Central Queenslanders who currently feel priced out of the housing market, and unable to save for their deposit because of high rents; this project means more market supply to ease pressure on rents and more land which gives them an opportunity to share in the Australian dream and own their own home.”

“For locals, the East West Connector means faster trips, safer streets and stronger links between the places we live, work and enjoy. It delivers productivity with real reliability and real results, opening land, easing congestion and giving our growing community the room, routes and resilience it needs to thrive.”

Mayor Belot said Council was proud to partner with Queensland-based contractor JRT Group to deliver the project.

“JRT Group has a strong track record of delivering major civil infrastructure projects across Central Queensland and the wider state, with extensive experience in road construction, earthworks and transport infrastructure,” he said.

“They understand regional communities, they employ local people, and they have demonstrated the capability required to deliver a project of this scale.”

“Importantly, this project will support local jobs, local suppliers and local economic activity throughout the construction phase.”

Mayor Belot said the commencement of works also reinforced Council’s commitment to progressing the broader East West Connector vision.

“While construction gets underway on Stage 1, Council is already focused on the future,” Mayor Belot said.

“We are actively progressing planning and securing the corridor for Stage 2 of the East West Connector to ensure we are positioning ourselves for future funding opportunities.”

“As our region continues to grow, it is critical that infrastructure keeps pace with demand. We cannot afford to wait until congestion becomes unmanageable before acting.”

Construction of Stage 1 is expected to be completed in accordance with the project delivery program, with works now commencing on the first two-kilometre section connecting Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road to the Hidden Valley growth area.