Newsroom

February 5, 2025

A strategic “inland highway” built by the US Army during World War II is the key to keeping North Queensland connected during future flood events, Katter’s Australian MPs have said.

Responding to the recent floods that have caused devastation across the coast and catastrophically damaged the Bruce Highway at Ollera Creek, KAP Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said the Hann Highway needed to be finished as a matter of urgency.

Just 10.8km of highway remains unsealed, and additional bridge upgrades are needed at Bundock Creek and Einasleigh River crossing in order to make the stretch suitable for larger road trains.

Mr Katter said the LNP Crisafulli Government could finalise the Hann Highway with “loose change”, and that the benefits to the North’s and the nation’s transport network security would be immeasurable.

He said the highway, which spans from Hughenden to the Lynd and forms part of the bigger Kennedy Highway, was largely flood-immune.

“With the Bruce Highway cut off again from these catastrophic floods around Cardwell, Ingham and Townsville, we have to look at how we can improve and flood-proof our road network in Queensland.

“A lot of that involves the Hann Highway, which can connect western Queensland up to Cairns without having to brave the coast.

“Additionally if you’re in the fruit and vegetable game and carting freight from the tropical far North to Melbourne to Sydney or back, using the Hann can save upto 13 hours of burning rubber and diesel from going along the coast.

“For our local communities, driving major freight transporters to the Hann takes a lot of road rains off the highway which saves the wear and tear and reduces congestion.

“If you take one triple road train down the Hann you can take two b-doubles off the Bruce, which is a big thing.”

Flinders Shire Council Mayor Kate Peddle said the current flooding disaster had highlighted Queensland’s transport network vulnerabilities.

"This situation highlights the absolute necessity to fund the remaining section of this road," she said.

"We must seize this opportunity to push for the sealing of the highway and the completion of critical crossings, ensuring our regions remain connected and supported in challenging times.

“Completing the sealing of the Kennedy Developmental Road in its entirety would provide a reliable, year-round route for agricultural produce and livestock.

“This would ensure faster and more cost-effective transportation to southern markets, complementing the Bruce Highway route.

“Given the recent funding allocation of $7.2 billion for the Bruce Highway, it is crucial to also focus on enhancing alternative routes.

"Ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation to southern markets is essential for our economic vitality.”