‘Out of his depth’: Far North MP, Nick Dametto calls out Transport Minister, Bart Mellish over bungled Bruce Highway upgrades

Long delays in floodproofing the Bruce Highway in Far North Queensland must finally be fast-tracked after record breaking rain events left communities isolated for days this wet season, a state MP says. Watch the video.

Long delays in floodproofing the Bruce Highway in Far North Queensland must finally be fast-tracked after record-breaking rain events left communities isolated for days this wet season, a state MP says.

It comes as the state of the critical road was blasted by motorists as unsafe and deadly.

Ivan and Anne Evans, from Ravenshoe, said the highway was downright dangerous.

“The highway is quite bad in sections, especially with the weather that we have compounding the issue,” Ms Evans said.

“It’s a dangerous combination.”

The Bruce Highway is the deadliest road in Queensland, with statistics showing more fatal crashes on the road than any other in the state. Ravenshoe residents Ivan and Anne Evans drive along the Bruce Highway regularly from the Palmerston Highway near Innisfail into Cairns to visit family. They say the road is outdated and unsafe to drive, especially in wet weather. Picture: Brendan Radke

“You have narrow bridges, potholes, single lane sections and it doesn't get better until you get to the new stretch at Gordonvale,” Mr Evans said.

Following December’s flood caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto called on Transport Minister Bart Mellish to deliver upgrades to Dallachy Rd and Gairloch floodway in the Tully and Ingham region.

Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto is calling for upgrades on the $48m Gairloch Flood Immunity Upgrade project to finally get started.

In February, Tully was lashed again, notching more than 420mm in 24 hours as creeks and river systems swelled, cutting off roads and leaving residents, commuters and truck drivers stranded.

Now, following even more heavy rain across the Far North this week, is the time for action, the Katter’s Australia Party deputy leader said.

“I understand that Transport and Main Road have huge projects on at the moment but these flood immunity works have been on the boil for a while now,” Mr Dametto said.

“Every time the Bruce Highway gets cut, it costs us. It costs farmers and workers, you can’t get to medical appointments or out in the case of an emergency.

“The state government’s on notice to get these projects moving. I appreciate that we have a new Minister but that’s no excuse. This Minister needs to be held to account.”

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 $48m Gairloch Flood Immunity Upgrade project was more than a decade overdue, Mr Dametto said.

“We met with the minister recently and no progress has been made,” he said.

“In a follow up meeting they said they’re waiting on the federal government. I asked if they’d written to the federal government … they couldn’t give me an answer.

“Bart Mellish is either out of his depth or isn’t taking Far North Queensland projects seriously.”

In a statement, Mr Mellish failed to provide a timeline on when the long overdue upgrades would occur.

“The Member for Hinchinbrook and I have had detailed discussions on the status of the Gairloch Floodway and Dallachy Road flood immunity projects,” Mr Mellish said.

“I know how important these roads are to the local community and I look forward to working with the local member further in delivering safer roads in this region.”

Tully Showgrounds, next to the Bruce Hwy, was inundated for the second time in three months with Tully Tigers rugby league club's volunteers forced to clean up yet again. Image: Daley Rata-Makene

A Main Roads spokesman said the federal government had yet to sign off on the project while funding had to be finalised on the Dallachy Rd project.

“The project scope, cost and timing is subject to further planning, consideration and negotiation with the Australian Government,” he said.

“The Queensland Government is committed to long-term plans to address flooding closures and improve road safety between Ingham and Cardwell.

“Options are currently being evaluated for the … Dallachy Road, Install Floodway Project within available funding.

“However, progress was delayed due to impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent emergency repair works on the state-controlled road network.”

Originally published as ‘Out of his depth’: Far North MP, Nick Dametto calls out Transport Minister, Bart Mellish over bungled Bruce Highway upgrades