Mr Wettenhall said the State Government would allocate $1.5 million to upgrade six more roundabouts on the Captain Cook Highway to ensure all nine roundabouts were upgraded by 2010.

When Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace was in Cairns at the recent Road Safety Summit, I impressed upon him the importance of upgrading these roundabouts for the safety of all road users, but particularly cyclists.

The tragic death of a cyclist last year at Trinity Beach highlighted the dangers faced by cyclists.

I'm pleased the Minister has listened to my representations, and those of locals, and made the upgrades of these roundabouts on the highway a priority.

Feedback from the summit highlighted the need for the remaining six roundabouts to be improved in line with the other roundabouts.

Mr Wettenhall said upgrade works on the Trinity Beach roundabout were now complete and the upgrade to the Yorkeys Knob and Machans Beach roundabouts were underway and due to be completed by mid-February, weather permitting.

The roundabout works will significantly improve safety on this major northern arterial route for both local and tourist traffic.

This latest upgrade will provide a 1.5-metre-wide bicycle lane at all roundabouts and approaches, which will greatly improve safety for cyclists riding on the highway between Machans Beach and Kewarra Beach.

Work is planned to begin on the remaining six roundabouts on 27 January, starting with the Caravonica roundabout.

RoadTek Asset Services will deliver the works on behalf of the State Government.