Mr Wettenhall said the new brochure will expose the best of North Queensland to domestic and international visitors who come here for a drive holiday.

The funding for Barron River was announced today by Treasurer Andrew Fraser as part of the 2010 -11 State Budget.

Department of Main Roads Regional Manager

Ron Michel, Steve Wettenhall & Hon Craig Wallace

Minister for Main Roads inspect the new safety

improvements on the Captain Cook Hwy.

Minister Wallace said after successful trials here in the north, $6 million would be spent rolling out new 'visibeads' along the full length of the Bruce Highway and other major roads in regional Queensland.

Mr Wallace made the announcement at the McGregor Road roundabout on the Cook Highway where visibead linemarkings have already been laid.

Visibeads are large round glass beads that reflect light embedded in the line marking paint.  The markings are 50 per cent wider than normal line markings.

The beads are sprayed on the line marking paint to produce a highly reflective surface that drivers can see more clearly and from greater distances.

"The larger beads also stand out in wet weather, so motorists can see the line markings more clearly.  They also last longer than conventional line marking," he said.

"The effect is amazing when you consider that each glass bead is only 1.4mm in size," he said.

Member for Barron River, Steve Wettenhall said the issue of safer roads was high on the agenda for the local community.

Barron River MP Steve Wettenhall went back to school today – as Principal for a Day at Smithfield State High School.

 Mr Wettenhall’s time at Smithfield State High School was part of celebrations during State Education Week which ended today (May 24-28).
State Education Minister Geoff Wilson said the annual program allowed the school, its teachers and the students, their parents and carers to establish and maintain important partnerships with high-profile members of the wider community.

“Duties of the temporary principal might include running a school assembly or being on playground duty,’’ he said.

“It’s all about bringing a range of candidates into the school ground so children can learn a little bit, and hopefully our Principals for a Day will learn something too.

Principal for a Day involves community, civic and business leaders across Queensland.