Safety Plan Sidesteps Mackay’s Most Perilous Roads

The Federal Government’s $7.2 billion funding announcement for the Bruce Highway was celebrated by many as a significant step towards safer roads in Queensland. But for those in Mackay and its surrounding areas, the announcement feels like a slap in the face, with critical stretches of the highway once again excluded from priority upgrades.
Despite the Bruce Highway's appalling safety record—including two fatalities already in 2025 and 43 in 2024—sections notorious for their danger, such as St Lawrence to Sarina, Sarina to Mackay, and Mackay to Proserpine, are conspicuously missing from the federal government's plan.
The Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) has rated 45.2 per cent of the Bruce Highway as two stars out of five for safety, with only 10 per cent meeting the "extremely safe" standard. The highway’s fatal and serious injury crash rate is three to five times higher than major highways in New South Wales and Victoria. Among the most perilous stretches are those connecting Mackay to its neighbours, yet these areas remain neglected.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the safety concerns, describing the fatality figures as “quite horrific.” Yet the Prime Minister and Treasurer glossed over the final details when it came to making the funding announcement.
“I’ve driven the Bruce Highway many times, and I know the critical role it plays for Queenslanders, tourists and freight,” Mr Albanese said.

“This announcement takes the total investment in the Bruce Highway to more than $17 billion. Queensland deserves a long-term plan, and that is what my Government is delivering.

“We’re getting on with building a better future for all Australians.”
The Bruce Highway’s central role in supporting Queensland’s economy, particularly through mining and agriculture in the Bowen Basin, highlights the importance of addressing these safety concerns.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasised the economic importance of the highway, yet made no mention of supporting the stretches of highway directly linked with the state's economic powerhouse.
“We backed the Bruce with billions in the Budget and now we are investing billions more in the Highway that means so much to our regional and national economies,” he said.

“This is all about transporting people, goods and opportunities and linking and strengthening local communities and economies right around regional Queensland.

"As Treasurer and as a Queenslander, I’m especially proud of the billions we’ve found to back the Bruce.”
The Federal Government claims its new safety package will focus on priority sections identified through consultation with stakeholders. These include Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to St Lawrence, Bowen to Townsville, and Ingham to Innisfail.

The state government also touted the announcement as a “win”, focusing on the reinstation of the 80:20 funding model rather than the areas highlighted as a priority.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg welcomed the return of the long-standing 80:20 funding for the state’s most critical transport infrastructure.
“In two months, we’ve achieved what the former State Government couldn’t in two years,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“Since forming Government, we have been calling for Queensland’s fair share of funding from the Federal Government at every opportunity.
“The return to an 80:20 funding split is a welcomed commitment from the Federal Government to enable our delivery of a safer Bruce.
“This is a win for Queensland.”

However, the exclusion of Mackay’s highway stretches from the funding priorities has drawn sharp criticism from those closer to home. Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, a staunch advocate for Bruce Highway upgrades, expressed disappointment at the decision.
“While I welcome this funding, it is deeply disappointing that some of the most perilous areas continue to be overlooked,” Ms Landry said.

“It’s clear the Prime Minister still doesn’t grasp the full scale of the problem. Koumala and Carmila are among the 15 most dangerous sections of the Bruce Highway, yet they’ve been ignored again.
“I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure this government can no longer ignore the dangerous state of this vital road. Labor has turned its back on regional Australians for too long.

“This sudden cash injection reeks of an election stunt rather than a genuine commitment to road safety.”
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, also raised concerns about the exclusion of key sections in his electorate.
“Tragically, it has taken the loss of too many lives and the worst highway safety rating between Mackay and Townsville to get this commitment on the table,” Mr Willcox said.

“Let’s be clear, this 80:20 is only for this $7 billion commitment. A Coalition Government will fully reinstate the historical 80:20 funding for all highway funding.
“Some of the most dangerous stretches of highway ranked for safety in a Bruce Highway survey showed that the absolutely worst stretches identified are in my electorate of Dawson. In particular, Proserpine to Home Hill is the worst.

“We need to ensure the decisions being made for funding are based on need and not on political interest.

“The fact that the worst bits of the Bruce have been overlooked would indicate the decisions have not been based on safety, which is just not acceptable.”
Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald questioned the sincerity of the announcement, labelling it “political point-scoring.”
“Peter Dutton said in September that a new Coalition Government would reinstate the 80/20 road funding model that Labor scrapped as part of its decision to cut $488 million for the highway,” Senator McDonald said.

“Labor at all levels has shown scant regard for Queensland’s regional roads, and it’s sad that the only time Anthony Albanese cares about it is when there’s an election looming.”

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Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, stands by a crumbling section of the Bruce Highway, highlighting the urgent need for funding to address the region’s safety concerns. Photo supplied

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