The Albanese Government is investing an extra $467 million in the Bruce Highway through the Budget to improve the safety and capacity of the Queensland’s major north‑south road link.
This funding includes $154 million for improvements along the Bruce Highway North corridor, and an additional injection of funding to support the delivery of a number of important existing Bruce Highway upgrade projects.
We are also investing $15 million to plan for the upgrade of the Pine River Bridge.
Overall, the Albanese Government is investing more than $10 billion in the Bruce Highway.
Queensland is an economic powerhouse with important agriculture, resource and tourism industries and the Bruce Highway plays a critical role in freight movements and passenger travel for the state.
This extra funding will help ensure people can get to their destinations safer and sooner.
Good transport links are vital to moving freight, building productivity and getting people home to their families safely.
We also want to build better connections between communities in a state which is as decentralised as Queensland.
Unlike the previous Liberal and Nationals Government, we are working closely with the Miles Government to ensure projects are properly planned and properly funded.
Where the Morrison Government had a deluge of press releases with a drought of delivery, the Albanese Government is ensuring that projects can be completed and benefits flow to communities.
We will have more to say about transport infrastructure in Queensland at Budget time.
We are getting on with building a better future for all Australians.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP:
This is a Budget for the Bruce.
I back the Bruce and our Budget will back the Bruce too.
Billons already in our budget and now hundreds of millions more to come.
As a Queenslander 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.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King MP:
We are working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that increases opportunities and connections, builds communities and improves safety.
The Bruce Highway is a vital connection for the State and we want to ensure the work is properly funded and projects are delivered.
We are working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of our nation.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm MP:
The Bruce Highway isn’t 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.
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.