High time we are priority

News that more than half of Queenslanders have witnessed an accident on the Bruce Highway, and one in three people are extremely dissatisfied or worse, is not likely to surprise anyone living in Far North Queensland.

The fact that almost 90 per cent of the highway is only rated three stars or lower and the danger zones are in regional Queensland also won’t send shockwaves across our region.

Many people will more than likely nod their heads and say “I told you so”.

Because as NRMA Insurance executive manager Natalie Major rightfully pointed out, the Bruce Highway has been an issue for decades, and despite improvements “it is clear more help is needed to make this vital stretch of road safer for drivers and passengers”.

According to the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP), 45.2 per cent of the highway was rated just two stars out of five, while 44.1 per cent was rated three stars. Just 10 per cent received four or five stars.

In Far North Queensland, it’s the long delays in floodproofing the highway that must be fasttracked after record breaking events left communities isolated for days this wet season.

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto said every time the Bruce gets cut, it costs “farmers and workers”.

Upgrades are especially needed to Dallachy Rd and Gairloch floodway in the Tully and Ingham region.

In February, Tully was lashed with more than 420mm in 24 hours, cutting off roads and leaving residents and drivers stranded.

Following the 200mm received across parts of the Far North again this week, communities are once again on edge.

There are few Queenslanders who have not driven the Bruce Highway.

It connects us to our friends, family and events down south. The livelihoods of our farmers have depended on it.

While millions have already been poured into upgrades, it’s not been enough.

We need the government to prioritise the areas most in need, as well as the $48m Gairloch Flood Immunity Upgrade, which is more than a decade overdue.

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