Labor has announced a $7.2 billion funding pledge to bring the Bruce Highway up to a safer standard as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese begins a re-election blitz through Queensland this week.
The new safety package will fast-track critical projects along the whole corridor, and will initially focus on priority sections north of Gympie that have been identified by stakeholders due to their higher than average crash rates.
Priority sections include Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to St Lawrence, Bowen to Townsville and Ingham to Innisfail.
Labor said projects within the package may include installing safety barriers, wide centre lines and audio tactile line marking; constructing wider shoulders; increasing run off areas, overtaking lanes and rest areas; and improving intersections, signage, and sight lines.
There will also be a focus on resealing and rehabilitating road surfaces for resilience, thereby mitigating damage from increasing weather events, Labor said.
The identification and prioritisation of projects funded under the package will be informed in consultation with the Queensland Government and the new Bruce Highway Advisory Council, with works commencing this year.
Labor has also commmitted to picking up 80 per cent of the tab for the works, a welcome change of heart for the Queensland Government after Infrastructure Minister Catherine King had reiterated her 50:50 stand on spending late last year.
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has estimated $9 billion will achieve a minimum three out of five-star safety rating for the entirety of the Bruce, which is rated as one of the most dangerous roads in Australia.
Forty-three people died on the highway in 2024, almost a 40 per cent increase on the annual five-year average of 31. The Bruce has an average fatal and serious injury crash rate three to five times higher than any major highway in Victoria or NSW.
“Almost half the Bruce has a 2-star safety rating and that’s not good enough,” King said. “This historic investment answers the call of Queenslanders to bring the Bruce up to a 3-star safety rating so Australians stop losing their loved ones on this road.
“We are providing a significant and long-term commitment to fixing the Bruce, and I call on the Queensland Government to partner with us to get this done.”
Albanese said the announcement brings Labor’s total investment in the highway to more than $17 billion.
“I’ve driven the Bruce Highway many times and I know the critical role it plays for Queenslanders, tourists and freight,” he said.
“Queensland deserves a long-term plan, and that is what my government is delivering.”
This year’s federal election is due to be held no later than May 17, but some pundits are predicting it could be called as early as next month.