Feds and state MPs at odds over Bruce cash solution

A war of words has erupted between the state and federal Labor governments over the Bruce Highway and what should be the funding model.

A war of words has erupted between the state and federal Labor governments over the Bruce Highway after a Nationals MP demanded the 80:20 funding split be reinstated.

Federal MP for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has been lobbying the government to upgrade the Bruce Highway to a dual carriageway for years, and last week moved a motion demanding the Commonwealth reinstate the 80:20 split.

“If you live in a country town, the Bruce Highway is such a big part of your life because everyone knows someone that’s been killed on the highway,” he said.

Blair MP Shayne Neumann defended the current 50:50 split, stating the Bruce was now “actually safer” and funding direction had proved to be working after rates of fatal or serious crashes per hundred million vehicle kilometres travelled dropped from 14.7 to 11.2.

Transport Minister Bart Mellish has hit back, stating every Queenslander should support fixing the Bruce Highway. “I am shocked to hear any Queenslander support a 50:50 split when it comes to federal funding for upgrades on the Bruce Highway,” he said.

“Queensland has the largest road network in Australia.

“We are the most decentralised state, with the largest population outside of the metropolitan area, a majority of whom rely on the Bruce Highway.”

Mr Mellish said the plans outlined the government’s priority upgrades to help guide future investment but he would provide Ms King with another priority list as requested.

“This plan has been shared with the Australian Government and an additional list of priorities is being prepared,” he said.

A war of words has erupted between state and Federal Labor governments. Transport Minister Bart Mellish (pictured top right), Blair MP Shayne Neumann (middle right), Federal MP for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien (bottom right).

Retiring member for Moreton Graham Perrett claimed more funding would be allocated to the Bruce under the 50:50 arrangement.

“The government’s investment of $10bn in the Bruce is only worth $12bn on an 80-20 split, however, if we do the 50:50, we ended up having about $20bn to invest in the safety of Queenslanders,” he said.

But Mr O’Brien says MPs who don’t live on the Bruce failed to grasp the importance of the upgrades.

“You’re five times more likely to die on the Bruce than if you’re travelling between Melbourne and Sydney on the Hume, which is appalling,” he said.

“But most decisions makers are in the metros and are not feeling that cultural shock, so it’s a real battle.”

“I get along with Perrett and Neumann but these guys don’t even live on the Bruce Highway.”

Mr O’Brien said attitudes towards fixing the Bruce within the Coalition seemed genuine, but a substantial plan addressing upgrades through to Cairns would be needed regardless of the outcome of next year’s election.

“At the moment it’s a hotchpotches reaction to death and serious injury,” he said.

“We’re cutting ribbons on roads that are already outdated do to traffic volume.

“I don’t think it’s just opposition tactics to highlight an issue for the government.

“I think there’s a will on our side to fix it.”