“$7.2 Billion Boost: Australian Government’s Game-Changer for Bruce Highway Revamp!”

Queenslanders merit a long-term strategy for vital infrastructure, and the Albanese Government is providing that assurance as we construct Australia’s future.

The Albanese Government will allocate an additional $7.2 billion to enhance and rectify the Bruce Highway in Queensland, aiming to achieve a minimum three-star safety rating.

This significant funding marks the largest investment ever in the Bruce Highway, totaling the Australian Government’s financial commitment for the 1,673 km roadway to exceed $17 billion.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has projected that $9 billion will secure a minimum of three out of five-star safety ratings for the entire stretch of the Bruce.

Acknowledging the Bruce Highway’s national significance, distinct challenges, and alarming safety record, we are pledging to cover 80 percent of that $9 billion.

Major stakeholders, including RACQ, Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF), Queensland Trucking Association (QTA), and Queensland Tourism Industry Council, along with the general public of Queensland have urged for additional investment and a long-term approach to rectify the Bruce.

While Peter Dutton has yet to allocate any funds to the prominent highway, the Albanese Government has made it a priority to address this vital transport corridor since assuming office.

The Bruce Highway’s average Fatal and Serious Injury (FSI) crash rate is three to five times greater than any significant highway in New South Wales and Victoria.

As the principal north-south route connecting Brisbane with the regional hubs of Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, the Bruce is essential for the transit of passengers, freight, and tourists throughout the state – accommodating approximately 62 percent of Queensland’s population.

The new safety initiative will expedite crucial projects across the entire corridor, initially focusing on priority segments north of Gympie identified by stakeholders due to their elevated average crash rates.

Priority segments include Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to St Lawrence, Bowen to Townsville, and Ingham to Innisfail.

Potential projects within this initiative may encompass installing safety barriers, wide centerlines, and audible tactile line markings; constructing wider shoulders; expanding run-off areas, overtaking lanes, and rest zones; as well as enhancing intersections, signage, and sight visibility.

There will be particular attention on resealing and rehabilitating road surfaces for resilience to “Build Back Better,” thereby reducing damage from escalating weather events. 

The identification and prioritization of projects funded under this initiative will be guided in consultation with the Queensland Government and the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, with work expected to commence in 2025.

Quotes attributed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I’ve traveled the Bruce Highway numerous times, and I understand the vital role it serves for Queenslanders, tourists, and freight.

“Today’s announcement raises the total investment in the Bruce Highway to more than $17 billion.

“Queensland deserves a long-term strategy, and that’s what my Government is providing.

“We’re taking action to construct a better future for all Australians.”

Quotes attributed to Treasurer Jim Chalmers:

“We supported the Bruce with billions in the Budget and now we are committing billions more to the Highway that is crucial for our regional and national economies.

“As a Queenslander, I recognize how essential the Bruce is to our state, from the southeast corner to the tropical far north and everywhere in between.

“This initiative focuses on moving people, goods, and opportunities while connecting and strengthening local communities and economies across regional Queensland.

“As Treasurer and a Queenslander, I’m particularly proud of the billions we’ve secured to support the Bruce.”

Quotes attributed to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Nearly half the Bruce has a 2-star safety rating, which is inadequate. This historic investment responds to the requests of Queenslanders to elevate the Bruce to a 3-star safety rating so that Australians cease losing their loved ones on this road.

“We are offering a substantial and long-term commitment to repairing the Bruce, and I urge the Queensland Government to collaborate with us to accomplish this.”