The Bruce is being spruced

A new campaign will ask Queensland drivers to show patience as the Queensland Government rolls out a record number of roadworks aimed at making travel safer on the Bruce Highway.

Premier Campbell Newman and Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson launched the Spruce the Bruce campaign to highlight the almost 200 projects currently underway or due to start in the coming months on this vital arterial highway.

“The Bruce Highway is a 1700km lifeline for this state and if we want families and all drivers to be able to travel safely on it, we are going to need a record roadworks program,” Mr Newman said.

“I’m asking all Queenslanders - whether you are driving children to school, visiting as a tourist or hauling food and freight - to show some patience with the delays while we get on with this crucial program.

“Spruce the Bruce will not only keep motorists informed of works being undertaken as part of our landmark $8.5 billion, 10-year deal with the Federal Government, it engages them in the project while on their journey.”

The campaign includes a social media competition, where Queenslanders can share a photo – old or new – of their favourite tourist spot along the Bruce Highway and upload it to Facebook for the chance to win their very own It’s Great To Be A Queenslander personalised plate.

Other measures also include Spruce the Bruce travel kits and online activities for kids.

Mr Emerson said the campaign reinforced the works included in the Bruce Highway Action Plan – Out of a Crisis which was promised at the 2012 election.

“Last year’s landmark deal with the Federal Government was crucial as it ensured a return to the traditional 80-20 Federal-State funding split, but now the real work is beginning – with projects from Boundary St at Narangba, right along the highway to Cairns,” Mr Emerson said.

“Anyone driving the 21 hours from Brisbane to Cairns should expect to be delayed by up to three hours by roadworks while we Spruce the Bruce and we ask motorists to be patient.

“Without these works and adequate funding, the RACQ predict between 300 and 400 people will die in crashes on the Bruce Highway over the next 10 years.

“It is important while these works are underway that motorists understand while they might be waiting longer now, but they will soon benefit from a Bruce Highway that is safer, has more capacity and is flood resilient.”

The Federal Coalition Government is contributing 80 per cent, or $6.7 billion, towards upgrades along the length of the Bruce Highway.

[ENDS] 17 August 2014                              

Media contact: Emily Arlidge 0455 063 989