Bruce Highway Betrayal
Dawson Left Waiting as Labor Delays $7.2 Billion Fix
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has renewed calls for urgent action to fix the Bruce Highway, describing it as a “national disgrace” and accusing the Albanese Labor Government of playing politics with lives.
Mr Willcox said while the LNP state government is stepping up to address the crisis, the Federal Government has been dragging its feet on delivering the $7.2 billion it promised to upgrade the notoriously dangerous road.
“Labor has already cut $108.2 million from Bruce Highway upgrades this year compared to previous budgets, and Senate estimates revealed that their funding commitment stands at just $432 million over three years, less than the $488 million they cut from their own budget in May last year,” Mr Willcox said.
“They are taking our region for fools. The figures simply don’t stack up, and it raises serious questions about the sincerity of Labor’s commitment to keep Bruce Highway commuters safe.”
During a recent on-site inspection with the Honourable Brent Mickelberg MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, and TMR officials, Mr Willcox highlighted sections of the highway in desperate need of repair, including:
The Farleigh-Habana Road Bruce Highway intersection, where quarry trucks regularly turn in and out.
The 100km stretch between Bowen and Home Hill, identified as the most dangerous on the Bruce.
The Goorganga Plains, where upgrades are urgently needed to improve flood resilience, safety, and connectivity.
Plantation Creek, another flood-prone choke point requiring immediate attention.
“The Bruce Highway through Dawson — from Mackay to Townsville — has been identified as the deadliest stretch of the entire highway. More than 40 lives were lost on the Bruce last year, yet the Albanese Government is still dragging its feet,” Mr Willcox said.
“Some 43 lives in 12 months, that’s not a statistic, that’s families torn apart. The people of Dawson deserve action, not excuses, and they deserve it now.”
Mr Willcox also called out Labor’s mixed messaging on funding timelines, noting that Prime Minister Albanese and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher have given contradictory statements about when money will actually flow.
He added that Treasurer Jim Chalmers had repeatedly described his budget as the “budget for the Bruce,” but Mr Willcox said the rhetoric does not match reality.
“I find it insulting that the Treasurer gloated about how it was the ‘budget for the Bruce’ when he and the Prime Minister continually ignore rural and regional Queensland with lack of imminent funding. It’s unfortunate that the treacherous Bruce Highway was weaponised for votes, with no immediate action for improvement, while risking the lives of those who live and work in our part of the country.”
Mr Willcox said the Bruce Highway is more than just a road, it is the backbone of regional Queensland.
“Dawson deserves better. People deserve to get to work safely and return home safely to their loved ones. These roads aren’t optional, they’re how we get our product to market and our supplies from the city. Without rural and regional areas like Dawson, this country wouldn’t be what it is today.
“This government needs to stop ignoring that reality and start investing properly in our future.”
Mr Willcox said he will continue to fight to make the highway safer and hold the Albanese Government accountable.
“That’s why I’ve written directly to the Minister, met with local MPs and TMR officials, and will keep raising these dangerous sections until real upgrades are underway. The Bruce Highway must be made safer — and I’ll keep fighting to make it happen.”
ENDS
Key Points:
The Bruce Highway through Dawson is the most dangerous stretch in Queensland.
Labor has cut $488 million from its own budget while promising $7.2 billion in upgrades.
Senate estimates show only $432 million allocated over three years.
More than 40 lives were lost on the Bruce in 2024.
Conflicting statements from the Prime Minister and Finance Minister on funding timelines.
Willcox says Dawson deserves immediate action, not empty promises.
Contact: Amanda Wright | Media & Communications Adviser
P | 07 4944 0662 M | 0455 456 705 E | Amanda.Wright@aph.gov.au