I am very proud to be part of the Labor Government which announced $7.2 billion in new funding to fix the Bruce Highway in Queensland recently. This investment will bring this critical piece of road infrastructure up to a minimum three-star safety rating.
This is fantastic news for truck drivers and the other road users who frequently use this critical highway. I have read articles and had conversations with drivers about the condition of the Bruce which is why it’s so pleasing to see that the federal government is delivering and building a better and safer future for the Bruce and for everyone who uses it.
Since the announcement, this investment has been widely welcomed by industry groups and associations, including the RACQ, the QTA, the TWU and the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS).
This historic funding is the single largest investment ever into the Bruce Highway, and brings the Australian government’s total outlay for the 1,673km road to more than $17 billion.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has estimated $9 billion will achieve a minimum of three out of five-star safety rating for the entirety of the Bruce.
In recognition of the Bruce Highway’s national importance, unique challenges and dire safety record, the federal government is committing to funding 80 per cent of that $9 billion.
The Bruce Highway has an average Fatal and Serious Injury (FSI) crash rate three to five times higher than any major highway in New South Wales and Victoria.
As the major north-south corridor which connects Brisbane to the regional centres of Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, the Bruce is critical to the movement of passengers, freight and tourists across the state – supporting around 62 per cent of the population in Queensland.
The new safety package will fast-track critical projects along the whole corridor, and will initially focus on priority sections north of Gympie that have been identified by stakeholders due to their higher than average crash rates.
Priority sections include Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to St Lawrence, Bowen to Townsville and Ingham to Innisfail.
Importantly, projects within the package may include installing safety barriers, wide centre lines and audio tactile line marking; constructing wider shoulders; increasing run off areas, overtaking lanes and rest areas; and improving intersections, signage and sight lines.
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A key take out for me with this investment is the focus on rest areas. The improvement to the condition of the roads and the increase to a minimum three-star safety rating will save lives. There is no doubt about that.
However, the inclusion of rest areas as potential projects as part of this package is a demonstration of how the Albanese Labor government understands the road transport industry as well as the importance of rest areas to truck drivers and supporting them to manage their fatigue.
As someone who still drives trucks up to Kununurra in WA’s northwest from time to time, I know how important rest areas are for road safety and productivity. I also understand that there is still a huge need for more rest areas around our country to support our truckies.
Following the last federal election campaign in 2022, the federal government delivered on its commitment to allocate $140 million over 10 years to the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative which would support the construction of new or upgrades to existing rest areas for heavy vehicle drivers.
In December of 2022, I was honoured to be appointed Chair of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee which overseas applications to the initiative. The Steering Committee includes five long-haul truck drivers and four industry representatives.
Under this initiative, state, territory and local governments are able to apply for funding for new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas.
Since the committee began its work, $36.3 million in Australian government funding has been approved for 21 rest area projects from the Albanese government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program to support our truckies. The Steering Committee is committed to supporting projects that demonstrate value for money as well as deliver the best safety outcomes for our truckies.
We want all truck drivers and road users to have their say on what heavy vehicle rest area upgrades are needed and where, and we want to hear from you! A designated survey has been created for people to provide feedback which can be found at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/9da6627fb06f4fadbc489431be7c4c48?portalUrl=https://spatial.infrastructure.gov.au/portal or you can get in touch with me at senator.sterle@aph.gov.au.
Stay safe on the roads and always remember to drive so others survive.
Glenn