What’s Happening?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside Minister Catherine King, Senators Nita Green and Anthony Chisholm, and Labor candidate Emily Mawson, announced a $7.2 billion Federal Government investment to upgrade the Bruce Highway.
The funding will address safety concerns, create jobs, and boost the regional economy, with a particular focus on projects like the Rockhampton Ring Road.
Why It Matters
The Bruce Highway is a critical transport artery for Queensland, facilitating freight, tourism, and regional connectivity. This investment is set to reduce the highway’s alarmingly high fatality rate, enhance road safety, and support Queensland’s economy.
Prime Minister Albanese emphasised the urgency of the upgrades:
“This project will save lives, which is why it’s an absolute priority. Forty-one lives were lost on the Bruce Highway last year; two already this year.”
Local Impact
The investment will significantly improve road safety in Capricornia while creating hundreds of local jobs. Labor candidate Emily Mawson highlighted the highway’s importance:
“I know how important this commitment is to upgrading the road and making sure that we are safe when we’re travelling to and from work or visiting our friends and family.”
Minister Catherine King added:
“The Rockhampton Ring Road is a game changer, not just for the Bruce Highway and for Rockhampton, but for improving safety.”
By the Numbers
- $7.2 billion in additional Federal Government funding for the Bruce Highway.
- $1.2 billion specifically allocated for the Rockhampton Ring Road project.
- 41 lives lost on the highway in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for safety improvements.
Zoom In
The Prime Minister criticised the previous Coalition Government for neglecting Queensland’s infrastructure needs, citing the Rockhampton Ring Road as a glaring example:
“Nothing tells the story of neglect like the Rockhampton Ring Road. When we came to office in 2022, not a single sod had been turned, and the project was $700 million underfunded.”
Minister King echoed the sentiment, stating:
“This is a damning indictment on the Liberal Party, federally, that they have not fixed this road.”
Zoom Out
This funding is part of the Federal Government’s $120 billion infrastructure plan to address national transport priorities. While Queensland has received significant attention due to the Bruce Highway’s fatality rate, other states are also seeing infrastructure investments, including urban road projects and public transport improvements.
What to Look For Next?
Early works on the Rockhampton Ring Road are expected to conclude this year, with stage two commencing soon. Additional priority areas, such as Mackay and Cairns, will also see upgrades. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has committed to providing the state’s share of funding, ensuring further progress on these critical projects.
This historic funding announcement signals a renewed focus on road safety and economic development for Queensland and its key infrastructure.
