MEDIA STATEMENT: Crisafulli Government paving the way for a better Bruce Highway 

Crisafulli Government paving the way for a better Bruce Highway 

The Bruce Highway Advisory Council is rolling into Rockhampton on March 19, to meet with industry experts and regional representatives to discuss priority upgrades. 

Since the first Council meeting was held before Christmas, the Crisafulli Government has restored an 80:20 funding agreement with the Federal Government and secured a $9 billion package for safety upgrades as part of that deal. 

The 1,673 kilometre highway is the spine of Queensland’s road network, connecting Brisbane to Cairns while providing critical linkages for freight movements, ports, and regional communities. 

The Council consists of key industry bodies and six regional representatives who have a range of backgrounds including civil construction, heavy vehicle and transport operators, small business owners and road safety advocates. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland and in its first 100 days in office it re-established the Council, to provide a long-term plan for the road, after the Council was scrapped by the former Labor Government. 

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg Chairs the Bruce Highway Advisory Council and said he was looking forward to meeting again, this time in Rockhampton. 

“A lot has been achieved since we last met,” Mr Mickelberg said. 

“The Crisafulli Government has restored an 80:20 funding agreement with the Commonwealth, something the former Labor Government was never able to do. 

“We’ve secured a $9 billion package as part of this 80:20 deal with the Federal Government for critical safety upgrades along the Bruce Highway.  

“The Bruce suffered a decade of neglect under Labor. The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of improving the highway’s safety and reliability, ensuring people get home sooner at the end of a long day. 

“The Council allows us to hear from industry experts and everyday Queenslanders who drive and rely on the Bruce in their regions and across the state day-in and day-out. 

“The insight gained from members of the Council is invaluable and I look forward to hearing from its members in Rockhampton next month.” 

Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland is pleased the next meeting would be held in her community. 

“Central Queensland missed out for too long under Labor,” Ms Kirkland said. 

“The Bruce is the lifeblood for regional communities and the Crisafulli Government’s strong commitment to upgrading the highway is heartening.” 

Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton has welcomed news the Council will be hearing directly from Central Queenslanders. 

“Labor let our national highway fall into ruin. The Crisafulli Government has re-established the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, and now we are listening to regional communities to deliver the upgrades the Bruce desperately needs,” Mr Hutton said. 

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the Bruce Highway was neglected for too long under Labor. 

“Labor allowed our roads to crumble and they let the Bruce Highway fall into disrepair,” Mr Kelly said. 

“There is 400km of the Bruce Highway in the electorate of Mirani and my communities know all too well how dangerous the Bruce is, with serious accidents becoming too common, so it’s great to hear the Council is coming to Central Queensland to hear from locals about how to make the Bruce safer for all road users.”