Bob Katter’s $1bn birthday wish for alternative inland highway for Far North

It’s Bob Katter’s 80th birthday and all he wants is $1bn — albeit not for himself.

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has celebrated his 80th birthday in Cairns overlooking Trinity Inlet with a cake to mark the occasion. The maverick MP was joined by the ALP's new Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith, where they discussed the need for a new inland route connecting Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands. Picture: Samuel Davis

It’s Bob Katter’s 80th birthday and all he wants is $1bn — albeit not for himself.

The man in the bush hat blew out his candles with gusto while overlooking Trinity Inlet in Cairns on Thursday morning, proudly proclaiming to be fitter than most men half his age.

But the political elder statesman said he was keen to share his birthday wish with the entire region, renewing calls for an alternative inland highway connecting Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands.

“That’s my birthday present,” the Member for Kennedy said grinning.

“We produce 15 per cent of Australia’s fruit and vegetables. It’s the salad bowl of Australia.

“And when I sit here and watch people betray the ones they’re supposed to be looking after, whether you’re a councillor, or an MP, there’s an ugly future for you.”

Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith and Kennedy MP Bob Katter discuss the need for a new inland route connecting Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands while celebrating Australia’s oldest parliamentarian’s 80th birthday. Picture: Samuel Davis

The crumbling Kuranda Range Rd, which is regularly closed for roadworks, and battered Barron River Bridge only served to strengthen his argument.

“It seems to be out of service almost as much as it’s in service,” Mr Katter said.

“The figures suggest that it’s unexpectedly out of commission once a week. So often you have to go down the Gillies (Range Rd) from Mareeba just to get to Cairns.”

The rundown Kuranda Range Road cannot sustain current levels of traffic, Member for Kennedy Bob Katter says. Heavy vehicles including trucks, buses and caravans, as well as cars frequently use the roadway. Picture: Brendan Radke

Australia’s oldest parliamentarian has long been a proponent for the Bridle Track route, 28km paved from the south of Cairns to Mareeba, easing the pressure on the Kuranda Range Rd.

The thoroughfare would feature a tunnel and bridge, bolstering the region’s agriculture and mining sectors in the process.

“The media seems to have some kind of fascination with the Kuranda Range Rd. Why?” Mr Katter said.

“It’s a beautiful tourist road but it can’t be that while it’s the key highway connecting one of the biggest farming areas in Australia with the rest of the coast.”

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter is Australia’s oldest MP. Picture: Samuel Davis

Newly-minted Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith was an unexpected party guest at Mr Katter’s bash, passing on his well wishes to the region’s newest octagenarian.

“Bob and I will have to work closely together on a lot of things and get good outcomes for the people that put us here,” Mr Smith said.

The pair said they expected to be working closely together to benefit their electorates in the coming years.

“It’s critically important because there’s a big overlap,” Mr Smith said.

“There’s development in the southern growth corridor, the Bruce Hwy, the Kennedy Developmental Rd, all of that impacts Leichhardt and Kennedy.”

Mr Smith urged premier David Crisafulli and Member for Barron River Bree James to join the debate on how to improve the Far North’s shoddy roads, which are still recovering from TC Jasper more than 18 months on.

“We know that the state government is looking at alternative routes and when there’s a proposal there, it’s something we’ll have a look at,” he said.

“Cairns is running out of space at a rate of knots for housing developments.

“We’re going to have a point in time where places like Kuranda and Mareeba act almost as sleeper towns for people traveling down for work.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged $225m in funding to build a new Barron River Bridge which links Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands. Photo: Catherine Duffy.

The LNP released its business plan for the beleaguered Barron River Bridge, which is expected to cost $450m to rebuild, on Thursday.

“I still get daily phone calls and emails about the state of the bridge. It’s vital to our region,” Ms James said.

The LNP's Member for Cook, David Kempton, Member for Barron River, Bree James and Member for Mulgrave, Terry James have welcomed the release of a business case for the Barron River Bridge. Picture: Samuel Davis

But with the federal government already committed to paying for half of the bridge, Member for Cairns Michael Healy criticised the LNP for having failed to progress the project sooner.

“This bridge is vital not just for locals in Kuranda and Cairns but for the entire region’s tourism, logistics and economic resilience,” Mr Healy said.

“Every day of delay risks safety, disrupts freight, and holds back economic opportunity.

“Stop delaying. Step up and fund your share of this essential project. Our region can’t afford to wait.”

Mr Katter, who warned that he could be a “bit of a bad bastard” if an alternative to the Kuranda Range Rd wasn’t built, said he would enjoy a quiet dinner with his wife, Susie, in Charters Towers to celebrate his personal milestone.

Originally published as Bob Katter’s $1bn birthday wish for alternative inland highway for Far North