One of Queensland’s most hazardous roads is set for significant upgrades with a $7.2 billion funding commitment from the Australian government. The investment in the Bruce Highway aims to enhance safety and strengthen its resilience against extreme weather, which frequently cuts off regional communities.
The need for upgrades has been underscored by AAMI’s 2024 Crash Index, which identified the Bruce Highway as a major safety concern. The highway accounted for eight of the top 10 crash hotspots in Queensland, with the Rockhampton stretch topping the list five times over the past decade.
“Too many lives are lost on the Bruce Highway each year, so ongoing investment to improve the road and make it safer is welcome news,” Suncorp chief executive consumer insurance Lisa Harrison said.
The $7.2 billion commitment is part of a long-term infrastructure strategy, bringing the total federal investment in the highway to over $17 billion. Under the plan, safety upgrades will include widening shoulders, installing barriers, and improving intersections. Additionally, measures will focus on making the road more weather-resilient, addressing frequent disruptions caused by cyclones and floods.
The project funding follows an 80:20 arrangement, with Queensland contributing $1.8 billion. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the investment as crucial for maintaining vital connections between regional centres, supporting both freight and passenger transport.
The funding also includes measures to mitigate disruptions caused by extreme weather events like floods and cyclones. These natural disasters often sever critical connections between Queensland’s regional centres, compounding the challenges faced by affected communities.
“We all know the impact extreme weather events like cyclones and floods can have on our roads, but it’s especially debilitating when the only highway connecting our regional centres is cut off. Measures to ensure that communities are accessible after extreme weather events will ensure Queenslanders can recover faster and get back in their homes and businesses sooner,” Harrison said.
