Have your say on new Captain Cook Highway plan

The public is being asked to provide feedback on the newly released preliminary master plan for upgrades on the Captain Cook Highway between the Cairns CBD and Smithfield.

The plan comes as part of a program of upgrades on Captain Cook Highway.

Master planning, including a staged approach for the upgrades, is expected to be finalised by mid to late 2023.

Key features of preliminary plans include improvements to ease congestion and improve safety.

To provide feedback on the preliminary master plan for Cairns, you can use the online consultation tool at https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/captain-cook-highway-cairns-cbd-to-smithfield-upgrade and click on the 'Have your say' link.

You can also contact the project team on 1800 187 937 or email at C2S@tmr.qld.gov.au.

The consultation is open until 28 February 2023.

This investment is estimated to support an average of 387 direct jobs over the life of the project.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The preliminary master plan provides long-term, multi-modal, transport planning for an efficient link between Cairns and the growing northern suburbs population.

“Extensive consultation with impacted property owners and community engagement for the preliminary master plan along the 15.5-kilometre corridor is underway.

“A detailed program of construction timeframes will be developed once the staging options have been identified.

“Like the staged approach to upgrade the Bruce Highway on Cairns Southern Access Corridor, implementation of the delivery of the Captain Cook Highway, Cairns CBD to Smithfield, Upgrade is proposed to occur over 25 years.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“The $359 million Captain Cook Highway package is one of Far North Queensland’s most significant infrastructure projects, so it’s great to see we’ve taken another important step towards getting works underway.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is committed to making it easier to move around Queensland, which is why we’re investing $29.7 billion in road and transport projects over the next four years.

“We’re delivering the projects that matter, helping Queenslanders enjoy our great lifestyle."

Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef and Senator for Queensland Nita Green:

“After years of empty promises under the former government, the Albanese Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering for our community.

“Members of the community will be able to provide feedback on the preliminary master plan.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Member for Cairns Michael Healy:

“The Captain Cook Highway upgrades will not only make it far quicker and safer to get around the Far North – they will also support over 380 good, secure jobs in our region during construction.

“As part of the preliminary plan, Sheridan Street north of Grove Street will be expanded to six lanes, and intersections on the stretch will also be upgraded.

“I’d encourage anyone wanting to give feedback on the plans to do so.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:

“These upgrades, alongside other road projects like the recently completed $164 million Smithfield Bypass, will make it much easier to move around the Far North.

“They come as part of the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s almost $1.6 billion investment in road and transport projects in Far North Queensland over the next four years, supporting 1,440 good, secure jobs in the region.

“We’re delivering better services all across the state, helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer.”

ENDS

Media contact: Joe Ogilvie – 0423 184 412