Big win for Bruce Highway safety in landmark decision

Crucial Queensland data outlining deadly crash hotspots on the Bruce Highway will be provided to the federal government, in a landmark decision set to shape transport funding priorities.

Crucial Queensland data outlining deadly crash hotspots on the Bruce Highway will be provided to the federal government, in a landmark decision set to shape transport funding priorities.

It comes after the Courier-Mail Help Our Highway campaign this week outlined horrendous safety standards along the 1600km stretch, and the 134 lives lost on the road.Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish announced on Friday that he, along with other states and territories, would provide the AusRAP road safety data from 2025 onwards.

“TMR is currently undertaking procurement to provide this highly specialised data,” he said.

The Bruce Highway is the deadliest road in Queensland, with statistics showing more fatal crashes on the road than any other in the state. The Bruce Highway is majority single lane, with narrow shoulders and causeways at Aloomba, only 30 kilometres south from the city of Cairns. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The AusRAP data will complement the road safety data TMR already collects, which assists to prioritise projects and funding across the state.

“I will always support initiatives that will reduce Queensland’s road toll and I will always advocate for more road funding from our key partners like the Australian Government.”

Australian Automobile Association managing director Michael Bradle said the “common sense” decision would force governments to make better funding decisions for crucial road upgrades.

“It is simple common sense that if you have data about roads, policing and causes of crashes, you should share it so it can be used to inform the creation of policies that could reverse the upward trajectory in road deaths,” he said.

“Historically, politicians have been resistant because they like to retain the ability to spend road funding where it suits them politically. “But when the public has data that shows where they safety problems are most acute, it clips the wings of politicians when it comes to pork barrelling.”

NRMA Insurance chief executive Julie Batch welcomed the decision, saying it would have a significant impact on keeping drivers safe.

“It is critical to informing funding decisions and prioritisation of projects that will have the greatest impact on the safety of Queenslanders,” she said.

“We look forward to sharing NRMA Insurance data and insights and collaborating with all levels of government to achieve positive outcomes.”

The AAA is now calling on the federal government to establish an accountability requirement for states in the next National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects, which is currently under negotiation and due to take effect on July 1.

“It’s good to see The Courier-Mail and other media organisations getting behind road safety and even better to hear that politicians are finally starting to listen,” Mr Bradley said.“It’s great that the Queensland Government is now on board and we hope the Federal Government will now show leadership and get other states and territories to take the same position.”