RACQ demands fair funding as Bruce Hwy Council re-established
Queensland’s peak motoring body called for fair funding to ‘Fix the Bruce’ as the re-established Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC) met for the first time in Townsville.
RACQ’s General Manager Advocacy Joshua Cooney welcomed the decision to reinstate the BHAC to renew efforts in advocating for upgrades to this critical yet dangerous highway.
“It's encouraging to see the new State Government's commitment to fix the Bruce by re-establishing the Advisory Council. We hope this council will play a pivotal role in advocating for a better Bruce Highway,” Mr Cooney said.
“The work produced by the previous BHAC was invaluable, outlining a comprehensive and credible 15-year blueprint to bring the Bruce up to an acceptable standard and eliminate unsafe sections.
“What Queensland needs now is our fair share of funding from the Federal Government to deliver the projects required.”
Mr Cooney called on the Federal Government to reverse its decision to wind back its funding commitment for future Bruce Highway upgrades from 80% to 50%.
“When New South Wales and Victoria had their major national highways duplicated, the Federal Government covered at least 80% of the funding needed. The Bruce needs more crucial upgrades, but now the Federal Government is only promising to pay 50%,” he said.
“That's short-changing Queenslanders hundreds of millions of dollars and risks turning this 15-year upgrade plan into a 30-year plan.
“Meanwhile, Queenslanders are three to five times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash on the Bruce Highway compared to the Pacific Highway in New South Wales and Hume Highway in Victoria. It’s simply not fair.”
Between 2019 and 2023, an average of 31 people were killed in crashes on the Bruce Highway each year. By November this year, that average was already surpassed.
“Queensland has 180,000km of roads and while the 1,673km-long Bruce Highway makes up less than 1% of that network it accounts for more than 10% of the road toll,” Mr Cooney said.
“Right when we need to accelerate safety upgrades along this critical national highway, the Federal Government is taking its foot off the funding pedal.
“We stand beside our members and all Queenslanders in demanding fair funding to ‘Fix the Bruce’ and save lives.”
RACQ will continue working closely with government and peak industry bodies taking part in the BHAC to drive a positive future for all Queenslanders and fight for a safer Bruce.
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