The Queensland Government has announced it will re-establish the Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC) by the end of 2024 as part of its commitment to provide a long-term plan for the roadway.
Expressions of interest are now open to Queenslanders who regularly use the Bruce Highway between Carseldine and Cairns and can identify priority locations for future investment to improve road safety.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is currently seeking nominations for regional representatives from the following Queensland districts:
- Far North Queensland
- Northern Queensland
- Mackay/Whitsundays
- Fitzroy
- Wide Bay/Burnett
- North Coast
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said road safety will be at the forefront of the re-established BHAC – bringing key stakeholders and industry together – with regional representatives playing a vital role in informing the Council on priority investment locations.
Minister Mickelberg will chair the Council.
He said capacity and flood resilience will also be addressed however, the focus of the BHAC will be to advise on current challenges and opportunities, as well as investment priority and sequencing of key upgrades along the Bruce Highway.
“It’s important we listen to our regional communities to be able to deliver the upgrades that are so desperately needed to the Bruce Highway,” Mr Mickelberg says.
“We want to hear from a broad cross section of people who drive the Bruce Highway regularly from the Far North to south of the Sunshine Coast, whether they be truck drivers, local commuters or interested stakeholders.
“The BHAC will provide the Crisafulli Government with advice on challenges and opportunities, as well as investment priority and sequencing on the Bruce Highway.”
Minister Mickelberg said he would also be calling out the Federal Government for cutting its share of funding to the Bruce Highway and seek a return to the long-standing 80:20 funding split for the national highway.
“I look forward to hearing from regional representatives and their firsthand experience using the Bruce Highway at the first Council meeting scheduled for December 2024,” he said.
Queenslanders interested in supporting the Bruce Highway Advisory Council need to submit an expression of interest by 5pm Friday 29 November 2024.
More information is available at https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/business-with-us/bruce-highway-advisory-council.
