The Bruce Highway Advisory Council was back again recently, holding its last meeting for the year in Mackay to map out future road safety upgrades along the crucial freight route.
The final meeting of the year discussed achievements, such as seven new projects for Mackay-Whitsundays included in the latest round of the federal and Queensland government’s $9 billion Bruce Highway targeted safety program.
The group, made up of representatives from peak industry bodies, government and regional community members from across the state, has met three times since being reestablished by the state government.
The Bruce Highway Advisory Council has played a key role in informing priorities for the historic $9 billion investment into the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP), to boost road safety up the spine of Queensland.
The meeting follows the recent announcement of more than $500 million for 22 new projects along high-risk sections of the Bruce Highway north of Gympie under the latest round of the BHTSP.
Seven of the new upgrades will be delivered in the Mackay Whitsundays region and follows an upgrade completed between Bowen and Ayr as part of the BHTSP early works package.
These works are the result of the historic 80:20 funding agreement for the Bruce Highway struck between the Queensland and federal governments, with BHAC providing important advocacy on the priorities that matter most.
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Queensland transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg has acknowledged the council’s significant contributions to improving the Bruce Highway.
“It is a pleasure to be here in Mackay working with the Bruce Highway Advisory Council in our last meeting for the year – we’re well on road to delivering the Bruce Highway Queenslanders deserve,” he says.
“We’re focusing on the Bruce Highway Fatigue Management Strategy, which will help inform priority locations where rest areas may be required on the Bruce.
“The regional representatives of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council have provided valuable input over the past 12 months, and I thank them for their work.”
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton welcomed members of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council to Mackay.
“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council by the Queensland government was a game-changer for regional Queensland, giving a voice to communities about where the priority projects are,” Dalton says.
“Our region is already benefiting from key safety improvements brought about by the Queensland and federal government’s Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, and that’s only set to continue.”
Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm says the Bruce Highway is a lifeline for North Queenslanders.
“The Bruce Highway is relied upon by so many local families and businesses, yet it can be such a dangerous stretch of road,” Camm says.
“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council has been critical because it gives our communities a voice in shaping upgrades that will save lives and keep our region connected.”