Far North roads receive major funding commitments in 2025-26 federal budget

The mission to flood-proof the Far North has been boosted with a nine-figure commitment in this week’s federal budget, but one MP says multiple projects have been overlooked.

The mission flood-proof the Far North received a major boost in the 2025-26 federal budget.

The mission to flood-proof the Far North has been boosted with a nine-figure commitment in this week’s federal budget, but one MP says multiple projects have been overlooked.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ financial plan included $225m for the Barron River Bridge along with $97.3m to finish sealing the Kennedy Developmental Rd – regarded as the Far North’s “inland, back-up highway”.

The future of the Barron River Bridge sits in the hands of the state government which has completed, but not yet released its business case or plans to either replace or rebuild the ailing structure. State Labor had committed $450m towards building a new bridge.

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter welcomed the cash for the Kennedy Developmental Rd but all but labelled spending on the Barron River Bridge as wasteful.

The federal government has committed $225m towards the Barron River Bridge. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I don’t know how much money has been thrown at the Barron River Bridge. It’s just an endless absorption of money with no ultimate outcomes,” he said.

“You can spend all the money you like but … you may as well build a new one.

“What do you end up with? A road that is extremely dangerous, winding through jungle, buggering up your tourism industry.”

Instead, Mr Katter said his proposal to build a $1bn highway from Cairns to Mareeba along the Bridle Track starting near Earlville should’ve been funded.

“I just want to weep. $1bn builds the tunnel (and completes the proposed Bridle Track route).”

Kennedy MP Bob Katter's plans for tunnel took a hit when Far North economist Bill Cummings identified Smith Track as the most economically viable solution as an alternative to the Kuranda Range Rd. Picture: Harry Bruce

However, he also dismissed calls from Far North leaders to allocate $22m, from an existing pool of $210m, for a study examining alternative routes to the Kuranda Range Rd.

“Don’t give me their bloody names because I’ve got a rising anger over this,” Mr Katter said.

“I am sick and bloody tired of watching half of government money go into planning.

“If you can’t figure out whether you should build a tunnel or shouldn’t build a tunnel, then get the hell out of government.

“We don’t have studies. If you can’t make a decision then get out of the room.

“You can do all the planning in the world and still make a bad decision in the end.”

A monsoonal tropical low pressure system has brought devastating widespread flooding to North Queensland and parts of Far North Queensland, with over 1000 millimetres of rain recorded in Cardwell. Queensland Rail tracks at Euramo, near Tully, have been submerged under flood water, and will need to be inspected for damage before train services resume. Picture: Brendan Radke

Also included in the budget was the federal government's promise to spend $7.2bn upgrading the Bruce Hwy, which has closed on multiple occasions just this week at Gairloch washaway, north of Ingham.

Separately, the government allocated $12.7m over two years under the developing Northern Australia roads initiative.
“For infrastructure projects that are essential to the movement of people and freight to support economic development in the region. Projects include links to roads connecting communities and regional towns to ports and airports,” the explanatory notes read.

Originally published as Far North roads receive major funding commitments in 2025-26 federal budget