The Queensland government has announced the second meeting of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council will occur in March as the industry looks to make the key freight route better.
The meeting will be held in Rockhampton on March 19, and will occur in the aftermath of the government delivering the reinstatement of an 80:20 funding agreement with the federal government for Bruce upgrades.
The collection of industry experts and regional representatives will meet with Queensland transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg, who chairs the council, to discuss priority upgrades.
“A lot has been achieved since we last met,” he says.
“The state government has restored an 80:20 funding agreement with the Commonwealth, something the former Labor government was never able to do.
“We’ve secured a $9 billion package as part of this 80:20 deal with the federal government for critical safety upgrades along the Bruce Highway.
“The state government is getting on with the job of improving the highway’s safety and reliability, ensuring people get home sooner at the end of a long day.
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“The council allows us to hear from industry experts and everyday Queenslanders who drive and rely on the Bruce in their regions and across the state day-in and day-out.
“The insight gained from members of the council is invaluable and I look forward to hearing from its members in Rockhampton next month.”
The 1,673 kilometre highway is the spine of Queensland’s road network, connecting Brisbane to Cairns while providing critical linkages for freight movements, ports, and regional communities.
The council consists of key industry bodies and six regional representatives who have a range of backgrounds including civil construction, heavy vehicle and transport operators, small business owners and road safety advocates.
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland is pleased the next meeting would be held in her community.
“Central Queensland missed out for too long under Labor,” she says.
“The Bruce is the lifeblood for regional communities and the state government’s strong commitment to upgrading the highway is heartening.”
The meeting includes peak bodies such as the RACQ, Queensland Trucking Association, Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the Local Government Association of Queensland.
Outside of that, regional representatives include Luke Bird of HEH Civil, Nortrans’ Kent Battle, Mackay Road Accident Action Group foundation and life member Carol Single, Eleanor Butler, road safety author Ken Wilson and truck driver Neill Graham.
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