Newsroom

February 17, 2025

DURING parliament sittings, Member for Kennedy Bob Katter raised the devastating impacts of the recent northern floods and the significant exacerbation of these impacts caused by the complete closure of all roads north that left about 300,000 residents in North Queensland without vital food and supplies, and crucified the banana, avocado and other northern fruit and vegetable industries.

"Across Cairns, the Tablelands, Cassowary Coast, the Peninsula and North West Queensland our grocery shelves are empty and our fruit goes unharvested and rots on the ground, all because our cries for a flood-proof road have been ignored," he said.

"Fair go, we are living in the wettest part of Australia, however it can be remedied with more suitable road alternatives to provide all weather access."

Mr Katter reminded the Prime Minister that the Kennedy Developmental Road (Hann Highway) could have been that unbroken chain in supply for goods to and from North Queensland; however, it remains unpassable to heavy vehicles.

"There is just 10.8 kilometres of unsealed road that needs attention, plus the elevation of critical crossings such as at Bundock and Einasleigh.

"Not only would sealing the Kennedy Developmental Road be a lifesaver during wet seasons but it will cut 1800 kilometres from the fruit and veggie freight route reducing transport costs which we hope would be passed onto shoppers," he said.

"Additionally, we urgently need key sections of the Gregory Development Road (The Lynd to Charters Towers) widened and key crossings raised; and works completed to raise the Gairloch floodway, the Seymour River area and the Bruce Highway.

"These have been in planning for over 12 months; now we need action," Mr Katter said.

"The priority works on these three critical access routes must be completed prior to the 2025-26 wet season.

"In the longer-term, government must fast-track works to flood-proof Ingham by diverting the Upper Herbert River and allow for the emergency evacuation of Cairns by building the Cairns to Tablelands Bridle Track tunnel," he said.

"The north demands urgent action and we are sick and tired of Brisbane neglecting the north while they build giant pleasure domes for themselves."