Published Today at 11:45 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Brent Mickelberg
Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland
Mr Sean Dillon
Outback Way milestones deliver safer journeys for Western Queensland
- The first 2.5-kilometre section of upgrades to the Kennedy Developmental Road between Winton and Boulia are now complete.
- Works will also commence this month to seal the final 11-kilometre unsealed section of Kennedy Developmental Road between The Lynd and Hughenden.
- The newly widened road will get Queenslanders home safer and sooner with improved overtaking opportunities and more reliable two-way travel for motorists, heavy vehicles and regional communities.
- These milestones form part of a broader program to rehabilitate and widen approximately 17.5 kilometres of priority sections of the Kennedy Developmental Road.
- More works are already progressing, strengthening a critical Outback Way connection that supports freight, livestock, tourism and access to essential services across western Queensland.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have delivered an important milestone on the Outback Way, with the first 2.5-kilometre section of the Kennedy Developmental Road upgrade between Winton and Boulia now complete.
Delivered by Boulia Shire Council, the completed section has been widened to an eight-metre sealed standard, with pavement and drainage improvements delivering safer passing opportunities and more reliable two-way travel for motorists and heavy vehicles.
The completed section is the first construction package delivered under the current Outback Way program in Queensland and forms part of a broader jointly funded program to rehabilitate and widen approximately 17.5 kilometres of priority sections of the Kennedy Developmental Road.
In a further boost for regional connectivity, works will begin this month to seal the remaining 11-kilometre unsealed section of Kennedy Developmental Road between The Lynd and Hughenden.
The road is a key inland freight transportation link and alternative supply route when flooding affects the Bruce Highway. The project will strengthen flood resilience through road improvements and upgrades to low-level culverts, helping reduce closures during future wet seasons.
The road forms part of the approximately 2,720-kilometre Outback Way, connecting towns like Winton, Alice Springs and Laverton, supporting regional supply chains, tourism and economic activity across central Australia.
Drainage works are already underway on further priority sections, with pavement and seal widening expected to begin from March 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The $34 million project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $27.2 million and the Queensland Government contributing $6.8 million.
The final sealing project between The Lynd and Hughenden is also being jointly funded, with $70 million provided by the Australian Government supported by an additional $17.5 million in joint funding through the Inland Connection and Western Queensland Betterment Program.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the investment would strengthen an important national connection.
"The Outback Way is a critical national connection, helping keep freight moving, communities connected and visitors travelling across regional and remote Australia," Minister King said.
"The Australian Government is proud to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver targeted upgrades on Kennedy Developmental Road.”
“The work to seal the missing link between The Lynd and Hughenden is a significant investment in regional connectivity and resilience. Once complete, it will provide a more reliable inland freight and transport route when the Bruce Highway is impacted by flooding.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the milestone demonstrated the Government’s commitment to delivering stronger regional roads and keeping western Queensland moving.
“This strip of road was a priority area, and the upgrades make a real difference to the safety of the communities, freight operators and primary producers who rely on this road,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“The Crisafulli Government said we would invest in regional Queensland and deliver the road infrastructure communities and industries need, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“Regular road users know the final unsealed section between The Lynd and Hughenden is prone to flooding due to heavy rainfall, a high-water table and challenging ground conditions.
“Sealing the final 11 kilometres will help make this route more resilient during future wet seasons, with fewer and shorter closures.
“Every kilometre of safer road makes a difference, and we’re not stopping here. More works are already progressing as we continue strengthening this critical Outback Way connection and helping Queenslanders get home safer and sooner.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said regional communities and businesses would benefit from this investment.
“For western Queensland, better roads mean stronger connections between communities, safer freight and livestock movements, more reliable access to essential services and better journeys for the visitors driving the region’s tourism economy.
“As works continue to progress on the remaining priority sections of the Outback Way, this investment will further strengthen vital connections for our freight, livestock, and tourism industries, while ensuring regional communities have dependable access to essential services.”
Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland and Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said completing the first package was a significant win for western Queensland.
"Out here, roads aren’t just about getting from A to B. They connect our communities, get cattle and freight to market, bring visitors into our towns and provide access to the services regional Queenslanders rely on," Assistant Minister Dillon said.
"Each step to improve the Kennedy Developmental Road matters so much to the people who live and work across western Queensland.
"It’s fantastic to see the first section delivered, but what’s even more exciting is that this is only the beginning, with further works progressing between Winton and Boulia.
"This is the kind of investment western Queensland deserves: safer roads, stronger freight connections and infrastructure that backs our communities and industries for the long haul."
Committee Member for Outback Highway Development Council Incorporated and Winton Shire Council Mayor Cathy White it was wonderful news that the first section of works on Kennedy Development Road between Winton and Boulia has been completed, as part of the Outback Way Program.
“These upgrades will be welcomed by all road users, particularly the heavy transport and cattle industries, as well as locals and visitors travelling through our region,” Ms White said.
“These improvements will make an important difference to safety and connectivity along this vital route."
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister King: Kallista Kaval, 0474 048 152
Minister Mickelberg: Mardi Norton, 0467 746 523