The Federal Government’s $467 million commitment to fast track much needed upgrades along the Bruce Highway as a solid step in the right direction, says the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ).
It’s promising to see the Federal Government playing its key role in fixing the Bruce, says RACQ advocacy general manager Joshua Cooney.
“A ‘Budget for the Bruce’ is what our members, and all Queenslanders, want to hear and thankfully we expect to see this commitment to some extent in this year’s Federal Budget,” he says.
“The Bruce Highway is the backbone of Queensland’s economy and is a piece of nationally significant infrastructure. But there’s no denying it’s broken.
“This funding will help wipe delays on critical projects including Section D of the Cooroy to Curra Upgrade, the Cairns Southern Access Stage 3 project, the Linkfield Road overpass and planning for the Pine Rivers Bridge Upgrade.”
Cooney said while this is positive news for Queensland motorists, RACQ’s fight for the Bruce is far from over.
“Around 750km of this national highway is rated as poor and on average 29 people lose their life on the Bruce each year and more than 360 suffer serious injuries from crashes,” he says.
“Our long-time advocacy for the Bruce will continue well beyond this year’s Budget. A safe Bruce Highway is crucial for Queenslanders’ health, livelihoods and economic prosperity.
“We are still concerned about the Federal Government’s decision to walk away from the established 80:20 funding split with the State Government for new regional infrastructure projects and we continue our calls for this to be reversed.”
RACQ says it awaits more details of this latest funding announcement within the Budget.
