Newsroom

January 21, 2025

The Government’s inaction to upgrade the Kennedy Development Highway (Hann Highway) is risking lives and hindering progress in agriculture, freight and tourism, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter said.

This highway, an 800-kilometre all-weather shortcut to the Bruce Highway, remains shamefully neglected by the Government, despite its critical role in regional connectivity and with the potential to provide access to projects hoping to connect to CopperString.

Flinders Shire Deputy Mayor, Niki Flute, emphasised the Highway’s value as a strategic inland alternative.

“The final sealing of the highway and upgrades to the Bundock and Einasleigh crossings is a clear solution, offering logistical advantages and taking pressure off the congestion issues of the Bruce Highway,” she said.

Mr Katter has written to the Transport Minister requesting immediate action to critical upgrades needed.

“This road is a lifeline for North Queensland, especially during the wet season when the Bruce Highway is impassable. Yet here we are, shops are still running out of food during wet season and road users are left gambling for their lives on dangerous, outdated crossings,” Mr Katter said.

“The Government’s apathy in committing to funding to seal the remaining 11 kilometers and fixing critical blackspots is sheer negligence.”

Local resident, and Honorary Secretary of the Hann Highway Action Group, Alison Murphy, wants to see urgent upgrades before there is a fatality.

“The Bundock Creek and Einasleigh River crossings have already seen very serious accidents.

“Locals are very concerned as they are the ones who have to deal with these accidents until authorities arrive, often hours later due to the remoteness of these crossings,” she said.

The KAP and Mr Katter have been relentless in securing funding for upgrades to this vital transport route and will continue to push for these.

“I will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure every kilometre is sealed, every blackspot is addressed and every life on this road is safeguarded.”