The announcement included a $42.5 million Infrastructure Australia freight roads package, awarded to the Labor Government three years ago, and which the Opposition pledged it would expedite if it won government.

The remaining funds would be committed to a range of road and community projects, including $100,000 for a study to attract an international golf event to Barnbougle Dunes and $150,000 to improve aged- care facilities.

Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said the investment would build employment opportunities and social capital in the North-East.

Mr Hodgman and several Bass Liberal candidates met a small number of forest contractors in Scottsdale yesterday who claimed they could not access the $1.8 million forest assistance package.

Bass Liberal MHA Peter Gutwein said almost 400 forest contractors had missed out on the rescue package because they either did not have a contract with Gunns or did not meet application conditions.

Mr Gutwein said the Liberals would look to change the package conditions and increase the money available.

Contractors included machine contractors, site planners and plantation silviculturists who had all been affected by the downturn in the global woodchip market.

Eva Down, of Timber Communities Australia, said contractors had to constantly change business practices to stay in the market.

"But when the goal posts keep moving, it comes at the cost of the contractor," Ms Down said.