Recently, the Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC) convened for its first meeting in Townsville, marking a significant step forward in the State Government’s 100-Day Plan to improve road safety and infrastructure across Queensland. Representing six regions, the council unites truck drivers, road safety advocates, and civil construction experts, all working together to address the challenges of Queensland’s busiest highway.
For the Mackay and Whitsunday region, this meeting brings renewed optimism for long-awaited road improvements. With a dedicated local representative, the region's needs are being championed to ensure safer roads, stronger connections, and better support for drivers.
As the backbone of Queensland’s road network, the Bruce Highway plays a vital role in linking communities and industries across the state. However, the BHAC has highlighted the urgent need for targeted investments and critical safety upgrades to meet growing demands and reduce risks.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg stressed the importance of regional input in shaping solutions for the highway.
“The Bruce Highway Advisory Council is a very important part of my portfolio, and as Chair, I am committed to ensuring everyone at the table has a voice as we collectively identify priority locations to improve road safety.
“It was essential to me to have regional representatives as part of the Council, as their background and life experience provide valuable insights into life on the Bruce.”
For Mackay and Whitsunday, that voice is Carol Single, who brings over two decades of experience as a Foundation and Life Member of the Mackay Road Accident Action Group (RAAG). Carol is determined to address the growing challenges faced by the region, with a strong focus on delivering a multi-purpose rest area to support driver safety.
“RAAG has identified the urgent need for a multi-purpose rest area at Paget on the Bruce Highway, close to the roundabout which connects to the Mackay Ring Road and the Walkerston Bypass through to the Peak Downs Highway.
“There is no dedicated heavy vehicle rest area in Mackay for drivers to pull over and rest, nor is there a designated spot for RVs and caravans to stop and take a break.
"We want it to be a rest area not only for heavy vehicles and caravans, but anyone that needs to pull up and have a rest," Carol explains.
This proposal has already gained the backing of key stakeholders, including the Australian Trucking Association, RACQ, NatRoad, Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Trucking Association. Local leaders, such as Capricorn MP Michelle Landry and Dawson MP Andrew Willcox, have also thrown their support behind the project, recognising its potential to improve safety and accessibility along the highway.
Reports of a 400% increase in serious truck crash claims exceeding $250,000 over the last 18 months highlight the urgent need for action.
“The road toll in 2024 was the highest it's been in 15 years," Carol emphasised.
“I'd like to put a call out to all drivers to just slow down and be courteous and obey the road rules."
"We should be aiming for a 5-star Bruce Highway, of similar standards to the highways in New South Whales and Victoria, not a 3-star.
“We also encourage people to invest in 5-star vehicles and we need to aim for upgrades to be 5 stars.”
Through her role on the BHAC, Carol is working to ensure the Mackay and Whitsunday region remains a priority. Her efforts are focused on securing essential infrastructure, such as the proposed rest area at Paget, which would serve as a critical resource for heavy vehicles, caravans, and all motorists.
"We have to find some way to make that happen, and we will certainly be working towards that," she said.
Currently, there is no dedicated heavy vehicle rest area in Mackay for drivers to pull over and rest, nor is there a designated spot for RVs and caravans to stop and take a break.
Carol Single, Bruce Highway Representative for Mackay and the Whitsundays, is dedicated to addressing the region’s growing challenges, with a key focus on creating a multi-purpose rest area to improve driver safety. Photos supplied
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