Federal Funding Brings Hope For The ‘Battered Bruce’

The Federal Government has announced an additional $7.2 billion investment into the Bruce Highway, marking the single largest funding commitment in the highway’s history. This pledge aims to upgrade Queensland’s critical 1,673 km transport artery to a minimum three-star safety rating, with the Burdekin region poised to benefit from significant improvements.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the importance of the highway for connecting Queenslanders, tourists, and freight, stating, “Queensland deserves a long-term plan, and that is what my Government is delivering.”
The total investment now exceeds $17 billion, with the Bowen to Townsville section, identified as a priority for immediate upgrades.
Proposed projects include installing safety barriers, wider centre lines, and rumble strips to reduce accidents. Additional upgrades may feature wider shoulders, improved intersections, better signage, and enhanced sight lines. The plan also includes increasing rest areas and overtaking lanes to improve traffic flow and driver safety.
To address Queensland’s unpredictable weather, a “Build Back Better” strategy will focus on road resilience through resealing and rehabilitating surfaces, helping mitigate flood damage and ensuring accessibility during extreme weather events.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, who spearheaded the "Back Our Bruce" campaign, welcomed the funding but urged clarity on project details and funding distribution.
“This commitment is a step forward, but we need to ensure our region receives its fair share of the upgrades,” he said.
Mr Willcox also emphasised the community’s role in driving the issue to Canberra’s attention.
“The people of Dawson deserve credit for standing up and demanding change through the ‘Back Our Bruce’ campaign. Without their voices, we wouldn’t have seen this result.
“Let’s be clear, this 80:20 is only for this $7bn commitment. A coalition government will fully reinstate the historical 80:20 funding for all highway funding.”
He further highlighted the urgency of action, saying, “It’s about safety and saving lives.”
Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Susan McDonald expressed cautious optimism, stressing the need for transparency and immediate action. “Queenslanders deserve better than short-term vote-buying announcements,” she said, calling for detailed costings and timelines for the upgrades.
“Labor at all levels has shown scant regard for Queensland’s regional roads, and it’s sad that the only time Anthony Albanese cares about it is when there’s an election looming. I don’t blame people for treating this announcement with some scepticism.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, stands beside a worn section of the Bruce Highway, highlighting the urgent need for safety upgrades in the Burdekin region. Photo supplied

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