Plan for flooded highway section

A SECTION of the Bruce Highway that has been shut for more than 40 days in the last decade due to flooding will finally be addressed.

The state and federal governments have announced planning is about to start on a fix for the Gairloch Washway, which often shuts during periods of heavy rain.

The federal government has committed $40m to investigate the issues in the 12km flood-prone section from the outskirts of Ingham to the foothills of the Cardwell Range.

State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said while this would not completely floodproof the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Cardwell, there would be fewer and shorter closures.

“This is due to the highway’s existing alignment within the Lower Herbert River Floodplain, which will require a larger scale upgrade to address,” Mr Bailey said.

“Surveying, environmental and geotechnical investigations should kick off soon as the planning gets under way.”

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said the project was an overdue fix that should significantly reduce wait time due to localised flooding.

“This money has been available for 10 years, and it’s just great to see it finally being spent,” Mr Dametto said.

“Now that this battle has been won, I’m urging the community to stand together as we prepare for our next big fight. We must ensure our voices are heard regarding the potential negative impacts that the Ingham bypass will have on the shire as we go into the next round of public consultation with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.”

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the plans for Gairloch would also need to align with the broader flooding characteristics between Ingham and the Carwell range, and compliment the government’s long-term plans to address the flooding closures.

“Based on the outcome of this planning, a decision will then be made about the project progressing to detailed design and construction,” Mr Joyce said.

Mr Bailey said a key link between Cairns and Townsville, the stretch was vital to keeping North Queenslanders safe and industries moving.

“Looking towards a longerterm solution, we’re delivering a $48m project between Ingham and Cardwell to build on the findings from a previous planning study in 2011.

“The 2011 study showed we need a more comprehensive solution to address flooding on this section of the Bruce Highway and suggested relocating the road out of the flood plain, to the west of Ingham.”

Consultation on the project is expected to commence in the coming months.