Australian Election 2025: Labor promises $245m for bridge in key Cairns seat

Labor will splash almost a quarter of a billion dollars on a key bridge as it eyes a key marginal seat in the country’s far north.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Labor will spend $245m on a new bridge in Far North Queensland. Picture: Jason Edwards / NewsWire

The Prime Minister has announced plans to splash almost a quarter of a billion dollars on a marginal seat in Queensland’s far north, as Labor eyes the flood and storm-ravaged region.

A re-elected Albanese government will deliver $245m towards a new bridge over the Barron River on the Kennedy Highway, a major link connecting Cairns to the far north of Queensland.

The bridge, which Labor says will provide an important route for residents, freight, and tourists, is a key part of the party’s plan to upgrade key roads in Far North Queensland, including $7.2bn on the Bruce Highway.

Anthony Albanese said his government was building Far North Queensland’s future, with the bridge being a huge “improvement for local residents”, as he eyes the marginal electorate of Leichhardt which is being vacated by long-time LNP MP Warren Entsch.

“This is on top of our other major investments to upgrade the Bruce Hwy and Kennedy Developmental Road, as well as funding much needed social housing and community facility upgrades,” Mr Albanese said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Labor will spend $245m on a new bridge in Far North Queensland. Picture: Jason Edwards / NewsWire

Labor’s Leichhardt candidate Matt Smith said the party was “delivering on what the Far North needs because we’re listening to locals and we’re delivering”.

Mr Entsch held the seat for a total of 26 years, firstly from 1996 to 2007 then fro 2010 till

a 0.89 per cent swing against him in the primary.

Labor’s Faith Elida came in second with 7000 fewer votes on the two-party preferred count.

Former Queensland Premier Steven Miles had earlier promised to spend $450m on the bridge. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

The section of Kennedy Hwy Labor is looking to upgrade carries about 9000 vehicles per day, including heavy vehicles, with the bridge having suffered fatigue since it was first constructed in 1963.

It comes after Labor promised $7.2bn for safety upgrades to the arterial Bruce Hwy, as well as $70m to seal and upgrade the Kennedy Developmental Road and $210m for the Kuranda Range Rd.

It is understood the bridge is fully budgeted and due to be complete in early-2028.

Former Queensland Labor premier Steven Miles had earlier promised to spend $450m to deliver a new bridge over Barron River on the Kennedy Hwy if his party was re-elected, before they were voted out.