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Katter’s Australian Party Unveils Bold Bruce Highway Upgrade Plan
Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) has announced an ambitious long-term plan to transform the Bruce Highway into a safer, more efficient route for regional Queensland. The strategy sets a goal to ensure dual lanes cover at least 50% of the highway’s length within the next 25 years, addressing critical infrastructure needs for communities stretching from Cairns to Rockhampton.
KAP Leader Robbie Katter said that the party’s Bruce Highway policy will significantly improve road safety and boost economic efficiency in key regional cities such as Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton.
We need to make sure that revenue generated in regional Queensland stays in regional Queensland. It’s time to stop wasting money on projects in Brisbane and refocus investment where it’s needed most,” Mr Katter said.
“Under our policy, major regional hubs will see dual lanes extending at least 50 kilometres in both directions, while other sections of the highway will benefit from 2-plus-1 lane systems or single lanes with overtaking options based on traffic demand and safety.
“Our policy addresses the most dangerous aspects of the Bruce Highway. Narrow, unsafe bridges will be replaced with wider, modern structures, and sections prone to flooding will be flood-proofed to ensure reliable access during the monsoonal wet season.
“The entire highway will be maintained to the highest road surface standards unlike it is now with dangerous, crumbling sections being the norm and costly resurfacing having to occur far too often.”
KAP Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto added that safety and functionality were the driving forces behind this policy.
“Far too many lives have been lost on this highway yet there is still no comprehensive plan to address it. By modernising key sections of the Bruce Highway and bringing it up to a 2024 standard, as well as modifying some of our outdated road rules, we will reduce accidents and make travel more efficient for all users.
“For a national highway, the Bruce is a disgrace. It’s embarrassing that we still have yearly road closures due to flooding in the same notorious places, particularly in the North, because no government has prioritised flood mitigation projects,” Mr Dametto said.
“Improving road efficiency is just as important as improving safety. Raising the speed limit in overtaking lanes to 120 kilometres per hour will reduce the time and frustration of travellers, making overtaking safer and more effective.
“Modern cars are capable of doing faster speeds safely. We need to let them do that on sections of the highway where it is safe to do so, whilst also focusing on raising the standard of the remaining highway sections.”
As part of the policy, the KAP will be advocating for the reinstatement of the former 80/20 funding agreement with the Federal Government to ensure regional Queensland can secure the infrastructure it desperately needs without the financial burden falling solely on the state.
KAP’s Bruce Highway policy is designed to not only meet the needs of regional Queenslanders by ensuring safer, flood-proofed, and efficient travel, but will also reduce the unacceptable death toll on the Bruce Highway which has already claimed far too many lives.”
This extensive project is projected to cost $20 billion, based on current estimates.
The KAP wishes to acknowledge the efforts of the Northern Bruce Action Group in providing important information and lobbying on this subject. Specific mention must go to Dr Tracy Cheffins and economist, Colin Dwyer.
Phone: (07) 4401 5037
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm Mon-Fri
Address: 2/321 Sturt Street, Townsville QLD
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1022, Townsville, QLD, 4810