Fix the Bruce

The Prime Minister has again turned her back on Queenslanders by pledging funding for another Sydney motorway rather than the Bruce Highway.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Federal Government had announced a $1 billion commitment to the Western Sydney motorway network but failed to make a commitment to Queensland.

“The Bruce Highway is a critical issue for Queenslanders which is why we committed an additional $1 billion over the next 10 years provided the Federal Government also brings forward their $4 billion as part of the historic 80/20 split for this national highway,” Mr Emerson said.

“The investment is not about politics, it is about protecting the lives of all who travel on this 1677km lifeline for Queensland.

“Recent heavy rains have again highlighted the vulnerability of the Bruce Highway, with several sections cut either side of Gympie which stopped all traffic in either direction.

“The RACQ have also gone on the record saying if immediate action was not taken on the Bruce Highway, up to 400 people would die on that stretch of road over the next 10 years.”

Mr Emerson said Queenslanders were sick of being ignored by the Federal Government.

“We presented our Bruce Highway Action Plan to the federal government in October but have yet to hear of any funding commitment from the Commonwealth.

“The plan was undertaken by engineers, not politicians, and will provide a safer, more reliable Bruce Highway reducing the impact of flooding.

“It also identifies key projects to improve safety, capacity and flood mitigation for the Bruce Highway.

“The fact is, without the support of the federal government we cannot go ahead with our plan to fix the highway.

“Ms Gillard needs to commit to the safety of Queensland motorists, not just look after her own political fortunes.” 

[ENDS] 4 March 2013

Media contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637