Ahead of the upcoming Queensland budget, the state government has confirmed it will provide $245 million to construct a new Barron River Bridge.
Next week’s state budget will see the Queensland government match the federal government’s investment announced in April to see a new bridge constructed downstream of the existing structure.
During recent floods in North Queensland, the existing bridge was damaged, with the newly built bridge set to deliver on key election commitments to floodproof freight routes in the region.
With both state and federal funding now secured, the project will move into detailed design and approvals, with construction to follow.
The new bridge will include a separated pedestrian and cycling path, enhanced safety features and a turnaround facility on the Kennedy Highway.
The state government says this vital project will deliver long term accessibility for the people, businesses and freight operators of Far North Queensland.
Queensland transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg says the investment will deliver the infrastructure Far North Queenslanders have been crying out for.
MORE OWNERDRIVER TRENDING STORIES:
- Don Watson Group announces shock closure
- TOTM: Jamesy’s special milestone Mack
- Major NSW highways remain closed due to flooding
- Transport for NSW justifies budget blowout on Dubbo safety station
- Slow burn – inside the ongoing HVNL review
“This is what real leadership looks like—after a decade of Labor neglect, we are delivering the infrastructure to keep Queensland moving,” he says.
“This commitment cements full funding for the project and will allow detailed design and pre-construction works to begin.
“We’re a government of delivery. We do what we say we’ll do—funding it, building it and delivering it. This is generational infrastructure that will serve the Far North for decades to come.”
Member for Barron River Bree James says the funding commitment was a hard-fought victory for her community.
“This bridge is more than infrastructure—it’s a lifeline for our communities, and we’re proud to be finally making it a reality for our region,” James says.
“I fought hard for this before the election, and I haven’t stopped since I was elected as member for Barron River. We promised we’d deliver, and today we’re doing just that for the people of this region – this is the moment we’ve been waiting for.
“The Crisafulli government is delivering real results with the new bridge to help improve connectivity and safety for our key road link between Cairns and regional Far North Queensland.”
Member for Cook David Kempton says the funding shows the Far North is no longer being left behind.
“This bridge is a vital link for access for education, medical and other essential services as well as the movement of freight and goods, for the Tablelands residents, businesses and of course tourism. It’ll have a long-lasting and widely felt positive impact,” he says.
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.