Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a substantial funding package of $7.2 billion aimed at upgrading the Bruce Highway, one of the deadliest roads in Australia. This announcement marks the beginning of the Prime Minister's re-election campaign as he embarks on a tour through Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
The safety overhaul is part of Labor's drive to bring the Bruce Highway—a 1,673-kilometre road stretching from Brisbane to Cairns—up to minimum safety standards, particularly aiming for a three-star safety rating. Currently, large portions of the highway hold two-star ratings, which some officials deem inadequate for the levels of traffic and freight movement it supports.
Albanese, speaking to reporters, noted, "Queensland deserves a long-term plan, and that's what my government is delivering." This angle highlights the government's commitment to tackling the road's notorious safety issues and laying out preemptive measures to mitigate future accidents.
The announcement also entails the utilization of the additional funding to initiate priority projects identified through stakeholder consultations. The focus initially includes sections of the highway north of Gympie, with areas from Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to St Lawrence, Bowen to Townsville, and Igham to the chain, designated for timely upgrades owing to their higher-than-average crash rates.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King emphasized the dire condition of the highway, stating, "Almost half the Bruce has a two-star safety rating and that's not good enough." This perspective fuels the urgency around the project, with the hope of preventing casualties and serious injuries along this key transport route.
The proposed upgrades entail various safety enhancements, which will include installing safety barriers, implementing wider shoulder areas, improving line markings, and building overtaking lanes. Rehabilitation efforts will also focus on resurfacing road damage, particularly those stemming from increasing weather events, ensuring resilience against future environmental challenges.
With rising fatalities on the Bruce Highway—43 recorded deaths last year—almost 40% more than the five-year average of 31—focus on these upgrades is pivotal. The highway's crash rate is reported to be three to five times more severe than comparable highways located across New South Wales and Victoria. This reality demands immediate attention from both state and federal levels of government.
Minister King reiterated the government’s commitment: "This historic investment answers the call of Queenslanders to bring the Bruce up to a three-star safety rating so Australians stop losing their loved ones on this road." This acknowledgment showcases the collective responsibility felt within government ranks toward addressing safety on the highway.
This funding is framed not merely as infrastructure spending, but as a necessary intervention aiming to protect lives and establish safer travel conditions for both Queensland residents and tourists alike. Prime Minister Albanese adds, "I've driven the Bruce Highway many times, and I know the role it plays for Queenslanders, tourists, and freight." This personal touch from the PM sought to instill confidence around the commitment being made by his government.
The government has also indicated the funding would cover 80% of the overall investment required to reach these safety targets. Previous estimates pegged this sum at around $9 billion to effectively upgrade the highway to the desired safety standards.
These timelines anticipatively set the stage for works to commence later this calendar year, with anticipations being set high for collaboration with the Queensland Government and the new Bruce Highway Advisory Council to navigate the implementation of these upgrades effectively.
Political analysts have pointed out the strategic value of such announcements as elections draw near. Queensland is seen as key terrain for both major political parties, especially with Labor's current objective to regain lost seats from the Liberal National Party following last year's state election. Albanese’s re-election strategy hinges on addressing community issues head-on and addressing infrastructure needs necessary for supporting growth and safety.
Queensland transport infrastructure is frequently at the forefront of public discourse, and this current initiative brings to light the pressing needs for improvements. Albanese's commitment to the Bruce Highway budget serves as evidence of the broader infrastructure vision he wishes to embody heading toward the upcoming election.
Overall, this significant boost for the Bruce Highway upgrades reflects Labor's broader infrastructure strategy and safety commitment, as the government looks to facilitate improved travel conditions for all who traverse this busy corridor.