Premier David Crisafulli will reconstitute Bruce Highway Advisory Group
Queensland’s new Premier says he’s got a “fair dinkum” plan to get the money from Canberra to help fix the bloody Bruce Hwy as a family “struggles to cope” with the heartbreaking loss of a mother and her 13-year-old boy.
Police & Courts
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Following the tragic death of a Central Queensland mum and her 13-year-old son on the Bruce Highway earlier this week the new Queensland Premier has revealed his government will revive the Bruce Highway Advisory Group.
Calliope’s Tracey and Corey Craig were killed when their Nissan Navara was destroyed in a crash involving a truck at Raglan, between Gladstone and Rockhampton, on Tuesday.
David Crisafulli made a decisive statement about the Bruce Highway on Friday, claiming that he is ‘fair dinkum’ about delivering a plan and he would fight for Federal funding in Canberra.
“Ten years ago, the former government set up what’s called the Bruce Highway Advisory Group … that group met less than half a dozen times in 10 years, and it hasn’t met for over two years,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“So, we are reconstituting it, we are going to put the best and brightest on it and it will be up and running this calendar year.
“I hope that shows how fair dinkum we are about delivering a plan for the Bruce Highway.
“We are going to remove the politics from it, and it will be about people backing good projects and delivering good value for money.
“And we are going to go to Canberra, and respectfully but forcefully fight for our fair share of funding.”
Police allege that shortly after 11pm, the white Nissan Navara was travelling south along the Bruce Highway when the Navara slowed down behind a Toyota HiLux due to a wide load.
A Prime mover truck allegedly failed to slow down and crashed into the Nissan Navara forcing it into the HiLux.
Two passengers in the Navara, Tracey, 40, and Corey Craig, 13, sustained life-threatening injuries and died at the scene.
The driver of the ute, a 42-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy, who was a passenger, were taken to Rockhampton Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman said on Friday that the 42-year-old man was in a stable condition in Rockhampton Hospital and the other patient had been discharged.
The 30-year-old truck driver, from Kingston in the Logan area, has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of motor vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm.
He is due to appear before Gladstone Magistrates Court on December 9.
The driver and passenger in the other ute sustained minor injuries.
The crash at Raglan in the Gladstone region closed the Bruce Highway for more than nine hours.
GOFUNDME RAISES MORE THAN $32,000
A GoFundMe page started by Alesha Gibson had raised more than $32,000 towards a $30,000 target on Saturday morning.
“We are heartbroken to share the devastating news of the tragic loss of Tracey and her son Corey, who were both taken from us in a car accident earlier this week,” the page reads.
“Losing a mother and her child is a pain no one should have to endure, and their family is struggling to cope with this sudden, heartbreaking loss.
“Tracey was an incredible mother, always full of love and dedication to her children.
“Corey, just 13, had so much life ahead of him, his smile could light up any room, and he brought happiness to everyone around him.
“Their loss has left a hole that will never be filled.”
The page also explains that Steven, Tracey’s partner who was critically injured in the crash, faced a long medical recovery while also caring for their two other sons Kai and Jayden.
An update posted on the page on Friday thanked people for their donations.
“We want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported Steve and his family during this difficult time,” the page reads.
“Your kindness, whether through donations, thoughtful messages, or simply reaching out with encouragement, has made a world of difference.
“The support you’ve shown has brought much-needed relief to Steve and his family, easing their burdens in ways that words can’t fully capture.
“Your donations are helping to cover medical expenses, provide for daily needs, and give them the peace of mind to focus on what matters most, healing and being together.
“Beyond the financial contributions, the outpouring of emotional support has been truly uplifting.
“Every kind word and act of care has reminded them that they are not alone.
“It’s this sense of community and love that has lifted their spirits and given them strength during this difficult time.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for showing up, for caring, and for making a difference.
“Your kindness has had a lasting impact, and Steve and his family are beyond grateful.”