Newsroom

January 6, 2025

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has congratulated the RACQ and other road users for their tremendous advocacy in cementing today’s Australian Government's announcement of an additional $7.2 billion to upgrade and enhance the 1,673 kilometres–long Bruce Highway in Queensland.

The announcement made by the federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, only days after the launch of the RACQ’s “Fix the Bruce” campaign, will provide 80 per cent of the funding required to ensure that all Queensland sections of the Bruce Highway are rated a minimum of ‘3-stars’ for safety.

Mr Katter, a vocal advocate for improved roads in North Queensland, did not hold back his frustrations at the years of neglect of the Bruce.

“Enough is enough. We are now seeing fatal accidents every three to four weeks in North Queensland, and the state government, sitting nearly 2,000 kilometres away in Brisbane, couldn’t have cared less. Their neglect has been nothing short of criminal.

"We welcome the news today and thank the Minister for providing leadership on this. We are now calling for the Queensland government to play their part and provide their portion of funding and get the road works started without delays and cost-blowouts.”

While acknowledging the significance of the funding, Mr Katter pointed out stark disparities in infrastructure allocation.

“Brisbane is lavished with $36 billion and 36 kilometres of tunnels, yet North Queensland has had almost no funding and ZERO tunnels.

“The Bruce Highway is our lifeline, yet for many years successive Queensland governments have treated it like an afterthought.”

Mr Katter said he remained cautiously optimistic, but there are still big questions to ask and have answered.

“Is $7.2 billion enough, particularly given the Queensland Government’s history with cost blowouts? How long before works start? Will the works consider the wet season and delays it brings? Are contractors going to be local? Where will priority areas be? Is fixing to a 3-star rating enough? Will speed limit reductions continued to be used in blackspot areas to get a ‘false’ safety rating? What about ongoing funding? “Is this Federal funding contingent on state action?

“I will be joining leading advocates, like the RACQ, local councils and road users to ensure that these funds are used where they’re needed most and not swallowed up by bureaucratic inefficiency.”

Mr Katter’s frustration with government action to-date has been palpable.

“It really has got to a stage now where, quite frankly, the next blood to be spilt will be that of the government in Brisbane and Canberra. Let us pray for these poor families that have suffered such tragic loss over the last few months, and I say, let us hope that this funding is delivered quickly and in the right places in Far North Queensland.

“This funding must translate into real, tangible improvements on the ground. Our communities deserve nothing less. It’s time for action, not just announcements.”