I recently met with fellow members of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC) in Gin Gin, where industry leaders, regional representatives and government came together to discuss how we can make Queensland’s most significant transport corridor safer and more reliable.
The Bruce Highway is the spine of Queensland’s road network, essential for connecting regional communities and supporting the movement of food, fibre and foliage across the state and to domestic and international markets.
The $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, secured earlier this year, is the most significant investment in the corridor in more than a decade, and we are already seeing upgrades underway.
Farmers rely on safe, resilient transport corridors. Floods earlier this year closed the Bruce for over 30 days, costing an estimated $300 million and resulting in significant supply chain issues and disruptions to freight movements statewide. Addressing these vulnerabilities is to protect food security and supply chains.
While the Bruce Highway is vital, it is only part of the picture. QFF continues to highlight the need for increased investment across all major regional transport corridors.
Queensland’s second busiest route, the Warrego Highway carries almost 6,000 heavy vehicles daily. It is vital for agriculture and other sectors, connecting the Port of Brisbane to Toowoomba and national freight routes. The Bremer River Bridge’s reduced capacity is a major chokepoint, requiring a long-term solution from government.
The Bruce Highway Advisory Council is proving a valued format, bringing key stakeholders together with local, state and federal government decision makers to keep the spotlight on the task at hand.
QFF and our members will continue to advocate for the reliable, resilient transport networks that ensure Queensland continues to deliver our world-class food, fibre and foliage across the country and around the globe.