BRUCE HIGHWAY FUNDING UNDER SCRUTINY

The Federal Government’s $7.2 billion commitment to upgrading the Bruce Highway is already facing delays, with conflicting statements from senior government officials raising concerns about the timeline for delivering the critical funding.

While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured the public during a press conference in Gympie that funding for the project would begin this year, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher told ABC’s 7.30 Report that the funding would fall outside the current forward estimates, potentially delaying the upgrades until after 2028.

Finance Minister Gallagher stated on 7.30 Report: “The costs for that will be reflected in the next budget update… but the funding will come outside of those forward estimate years because it’s a long-term project.”

In contrast, the Prime Minister had earlier told 4BC Radio: “The funding will be available from this year… we want this to be done as soon as possible.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox criticised the conflicting information, calling for transparency.

“The Prime Minister and the Finance Minister cannot both be correct, and the Dawson community deserves to be told the truth. It is time for the Prime Minister to come clean and release the full timing schedule for the promised Bruce Highway upgrade funds,” Mr Willcox said.

Highlighting the toll of inaction, Mr Willcox added: “Some 43 lives have been lost on the Bruce Highway over the past year, and it feels like the Prime Minister was more focused on buying votes instead of getting to work and fixing the highway.”

He also expressed frustration over the lack of priority given to dangerous sections of the highway within his electorate.

“I am very concerned that one of the worst sections of highway in my electorate was not deemed a priority by the Albanese Government, and I will continue to fight for our fair share of funding to get this road fixed,” Mr Willcox said.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry echoed the concerns, labelling the announcement as an election stunt.

“Just a week ago, the Prime Minister assured us the funding for the Bruce Highway was ready to go. Now, his own Finance Minister says the funds won’t flow until 2028. Both statements can’t be true, and the people of Queensland deserve to know which one is,” Ms Landry said.

Ms Landry also criticised the government for prioritising politics over action, pointing to the tragic loss of 43 lives on the Bruce Highway last year.

“Our Bruce Highway is not a political pawn to win an election. Lives have been lost, families devastated, and last year, when tragedies struck, Labor was silent,” she said.

Calling for urgency, she added: “Queenslanders deserve better. They deserve a government that delivers on promises and takes immediate action to improve safety on our roads.”

In response, the Coalition has committed to matching the $7.2 billion funding pledge and restoring the 80:20 funding model with the State Government if it is re-elected in 2025.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox stands by a pothole-ridden section of the Bruce Highway, highlighting the urgent need for promised upgrades to improve safety and save lives. Photo supplied

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