QLD Government Secures $9B for Bruce Highway Upgrades

Rockhampton Meeting to Address Urgent Road Safety Fixes

The Queensland Government is pushing ahead with major improvements to the Bruce Highway, with the Bruce Highway Advisory Council set to meet in Rockhampton on March 19 to discuss priority upgrades.

This follows the Crisafulli Government’s move to restore an 80:20 funding agreement with the Federal Government, securing a $9 billion investment for critical safety and infrastructure improvements.

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QLD Government Secures $9B for Bruce Highway Upgrades

A Vital Upgrade for Queensland’s Key Highway

Stretching 1,673km from Brisbane to Cairns, the Bruce Highway is Queensland’s most critical transport route, connecting freight networks, regional communities, and major ports.

Under the previous Labor Government, the Bruce Highway Advisory Council was scrapped, leading to concerns over a lack of long-term planning. The newly reinstated Council aims to deliver a sustainable, long-term vision to improve safety and efficiency.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg emphasized the urgency of these upgrades:

“The Bruce suffered years of neglect under Labor. The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of making it safer and more reliable.”

“We’ve secured a $9 billion deal with the Commonwealth to fund essential safety improvements.”

Key Focus Areas for the Meeting

The Council consists of key industry experts and regional representatives, including heavy vehicle operators, civil construction professionals, small business owners, and road safety advocates.

Discussions will focus on:

Speeding up safety upgrades along high-risk sections of the highway
Reducing congestion to improve freight and travel efficiency
Enhancing road conditions to prevent accidents and reduce fatalities
Ensuring local communities’ needs are considered in future projects

Local Leaders Welcome the Initiative

Local MPs have backed the Council’s return, highlighting the importance of prioritizing regional Queensland’s infrastructure:

Donna Kirkland, Member for Rockhampton:
“The Bruce Highway is the lifeblood of regional communities. It’s great to see a real commitment to fixing it.”
Nigel Hutton, Member for Keppel:
“Labor let the highway fall into ruin. Now, we’re listening to Queenslanders to deliver the upgrades they need.”
Glen Kelly, Member for Mirani:
“Too many lives have been lost on the Bruce. This is about making our roads safer for all drivers.”

What’s Next?

The Rockhampton meeting will set the agenda for urgent highway projects, ensuring regional Queensland gets its fair share of investment. The Council’s recommendations will guide the next stages of upgrades, with work expected to begin in mid-2025.

With billions now committed and a renewed focus on safety, the Bruce Highway is set for its biggest transformation in years.

Have Your Say

What improvements do you think the Bruce Highway needs most? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts!

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