Opinion: It’s time to finally fix the Bruce Hwy

In recognition of the Bruce Highway’s national importance, the federal government is funding 80 per cent of its upgrade, writes Catherine King.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King

Mention “The Bruce” anywhere in the Sunshine State and locals will know you’re referring to the 1673km of bitumen stretching almost Queensland’s entire length.

This iconic highway sustains our nation’s agriculture, resources and tourism industries – and it makes Queensland an economic powerhouse.

The Bruce Highway is unique. At 42 per cent longer than the NSW Pacific Highway, it services 62 per cent of the Queensland population. It is the state’s longest road, and its deadliest too – 41 lives were lost on it last year alone.

Despite continued government investment, the Bruce Highway has an average Fatal and Serious Injury crash rate that is three to five times higher than any major highway in NSW and Victoria. And accidents are increasing.

We have also seen the impacts of severe flooding in consecutive wet seasons recently. That leaves communities cut off, increasing the risk of accidents – and further deteriorating the Bruce.

Industry bodies, motoring organisations, road safety groups and drivers frequently rank it as one of Australia’s worst roads.

We already have $10bn set aside for the Bruce, and the Albanese Government has committed additional funding every year. But to get the Bruce Highway where it needs to be, we are today adding a historic $7.2 billion in extra funding.

We can make this landmark investment because of the tough decisions we have taken to make infrastructure investments more sustainable.

There are currently over 45 major projects in planning or under construction along the Bruce Highway.

Many stakeholders, including The Courier-Mail through its Help Our Highway campaign – as well as the RACQ and Farmers Federation, trucking and tourism bodies – have called on both governments to do more, and we have listened.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has estimated $9bn will achieve a minimum of three out of five-star safety rating for the entirety of the Bruce.

While our preference is that transport projects across Australia be funded on a 50/50 basis so that the Commonwealth and states have an equal share in the risks, in recognition of the Bruce’s national importance, unique challenges and dire safety record, we are committing to funding 80 per cent of that $9bn.

The time for unfulfilled promises and kicking the can down the road is over.

Catherine King is the Federal Infrastructure Minister