It has been an incredibly tragic start to 2025 for many local families, and my heart goes out to all those affected. The devastating house fire in Sarina is unimaginable—such a loss is beyond words. A 25-year-old man tried desperately to save his mother from the flames, but tragically, she passed away. The loss of a loved one in such a way is heartbreaking, and I can only imagine the profound grief this family is experiencing.
Sadly, the beginning of the year has seen further accidents on our roads. There have been multiple serious crashes, including on the Peak Downs and Bruce Highways, with another life lost this week on Hay Point Road. While some accidents are the result of driver error, the condition of our roads certainly plays a role in these tragedies.
When Prime Minister Albanese announced a $7B package for the Bruce Highway aimed at regional areas earlier this week, I initially felt hopeful. However, after reviewing the details, I was disappointed to see that stretches of road in our region—particularly from St Lawrence to Sarina—remain in dire condition. This area, one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the country, continues to be neglected despite being a vital part of the arterial route connecting the north and south of the region.
This highway network is meant to support the beating heart of our economy, the Bowen Basin coal industry, which drives so much of our prosperity, at local, state and national levels. It’s baffling that such an essential route, which keeps our communities and industries connected, hasn’t been given the priority it so desperately needs.
The state of this stretch of the Bruce Highway isn’t just a local concern; it’s a national issue that demands immediate attention. If we’re serious about improving the safety and economic stability of our region, the condition of this critical highway needs to be addressed—sooner rather than later. I encourage you to read more about the funding and our local politicians' responses on pages 6-7.
To all those affected by recent tragic events, my thoughts are with you. For anyone in need of support, the GriefLine helpline is available seven days a week from 8am-8pm on 1300 845 745.
Amanda
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