North Queensland Leaders Welcome Bruce Funding Announcement
Townsville Enterprise welcomes today’s announcement that the Albanese Government will invest an additional $7.2 billion to upgrade and improve the Bruce Highway, bringing it to a minimum three-star safety rating. Recognising the Bruce Highway’s national significance, the Federal Government has also reinstated the 80:20 funding split, estimating the total cost to achieve the minimum three-star rating at $9 billion.
The sections from Bowen to Townsville and Ingham to Innisfail have been identified as priority areas for upgrades.
This announcement comes just six weeks after Townsville Enterprise led a delegation to Canberra alongside regional councils, strongly advocating for the reinstatement of the 80:20 funding model to ensure North Queensland’s infrastructure keeps pace with economic and population growth.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith welcomed the announcement, reinforcing the importance of safe and efficient road networks for the region’s future.
“North Queensland is rapidly emerging as Australia’s most important green energy and critical minerals corridor. We are a strategic hub for national security, and tourism demand for our region continues to grow. Robust road infrastructure is essential to support these transformative industries,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.
“In November, we travelled to Canberra to submit our budget and election priorities, with reinstating the 80:20 funding split for the Bruce Highway a key priority. This funding is a significant step towards improving safety and meeting the anticipated growth in defence movements, manufacturing transport, and construction needs.”
“We strongly welcome this announcement and look forward to further details on the funding rollout. We will continue advocating for the same 80:20 funding model to be applied to other critical highways, including the Flinders Highway, which will play a crucial role in supporting the construction of the nation-building Copper String project.”
Townsville Acting Mayor, Ann-Maree Greaney said given more than 300 people lost their lives on Queensland roads in 2024, the $7.2 billion commitment to the Bruce Highway was welcome news.
“The Bruce Highway is in dire need of this investment and we want to see a large portion allocated to North Queensland,” Cr Greaney said.
“Returning to the 80:20 funding split will allow the State Government to come to the table so they can get on with the job and fast-track critical, life-saving projects.
“Townsville residents can rest assured we will be lobbying our state and federal counterparts to make sure we get our fair share to and from Townsville, and continue the fight for critical projects that enable safe access to our national highway like the long overdue intersection upgrade at the Bruce Highway and Northshore Boulevard.”
Councillor Liam Mooney who attended the November delegation said he looked forward to seeing further commitments to North Queensland.
“I’m pleased to see the Albanese Government taking note of the important issues we presented them in our recent delegation to Canberra with Townsville Enterprise, and I look forward to seeing more commitments made in the coming months,” Cr Mooney said.
“With a $37 billion pipeline of critical infrastructure projects on the horizon for our region we certainly contribute more than our fair share, so safe access to and from Townsville and our regional centres is not a nice to have, but a necessity.”
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said today’s announcement is a major win for North Queensland.
“Today’s funding announcement is a positive one for North Queensland and I am pleased to see the Ingham to Innisfail section identified as a priority,” Mayor Jayo said.
“This will alleviate a lot of problems during wet season in the flood prone areas, where we see sections of that highway close far too frequently.”
“Upgrades along the Bruce are long overdue and need to be rolled out quickly to improve connectivity, safety, and secure future growth across the North.”
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort welcomed the announcement, highlighting the critical importance of the Burdekin Bridge as part of the Bruce Highway.
“Burdekin Shire Council welcomes this morning’s announcement of the Bruce Highway funding commitments, particularly the enhancements to the Bowen to Burdekin section,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“However, it’s also crucial to recognise that the Burdekin Bridge remains a key link in our region’s infrastructure. This connection is not just important for rail and road transport but also plays a critical role in defence, providing vital links to North Queensland, Far North Queensland and conversely the South.”
“While there was no commitment for an upgrade to the river crossing this time, we will continue to advocate for the necessary investment to improve this vital connection. The Burdekin Bridge is central to both local and regional travel. Upgrading and duplicating the Burdekin River crossing will significantly enhance safety, accessibility and our strategic connectivity across Queensland.”
More Information
Townsville Enterprise’s full Federal Budget and Election Submission is available at townsvilleenterprise.com.au.
Media Contact:
Townsville Enterprise
0434 182 765
