The federal government has announced it is investing an additional $467 million in Queensland’s Bruce Highway in its upcoming budget to improve the safety and capacity of the state’s major freight route.
The funding package includes $154 million that’ll improve the Bruce Highway’s north corridor, with extra funding to support the delivery of various existing upgrade projects along the road.
An extra $15 million will plan for the upgrade of the Pine River Bridge, with the federal government’s total commitment to the Bruce Highway surpassing $10 million.
With the Bruce Highway playing a critical role in freight movements and passenger travel in Queensland, the federal government’s extra funding will ensure people can get to their destinations safer and sooner.
“This is a budget for the Bruce – I back the Bruce and our budget will too,” federal treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
“As a Queensland, I take absolutely no convincing that this is the right road to support and the right thing to do. The Bruce is a crucial part of Queensland and that makes it a crucial part of our national economy.
“We are getting more money for the Bruce so it can get more Queenslanders and more of our produce safely to their destination.”
Federal transport minister Catherine King says the Bruce Highway is a “vital connection” for Queensland, making it important to properly fund projects on the road.
“We are working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of our nation,” King says.
Queensland senator and assistant regional development minister Anthony Chisholm says the Bruce Highway is more than just a major commuter and tourist route.
“It’s also a crucial freight link between Queensland’s regional production areas and our state’s coastal ports,” Chisholm says.
“Upgrading the Bruce Highway is a top priority of our government, and this extra $467 million is a prime example of our commitment to improving the overall safety of the Bruce Highway, providing locals and visitors to the regions with a safer and more pleasant journey.”