Hinchinbrook Residents Encouraged To Help Shape Bruce Highway Improvements

Residents across the Hinchinbrook region are being encouraged to have their say on the future of the Bruce Highway, with Expressions of Interest now open for regional representatives to join the Bruce Highway Advisory Council.

The Crisafulli Government has opened applications for the next intake of council members, including a representative position for North Queensland, which covers communities throughout the Hinchinbrook region and surrounds.

The Bruce Highway Advisory Council plays a key role in shaping priorities for safety upgrades and long-term improvements along Queensland’s primary transport corridor. The council has helped inform the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and the development of a statewide Fatigue Management Strategy.

Chaired by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the council brings together regional representatives and industry stakeholders from Pine River to Far North Queensland to identify problem areas and guide where investment should be prioritised.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the government was committed to listening to the people who rely on the Bruce Highway every day.

“The Bruce Highway is the lifeline of regional Queensland, and we’re committed to making it safer, more reliable, and fit for the future. Unlike Labor, who cut the Advisory Council after it met only a handful of times, we brought it back 12 months ago - and it’s delivering real results,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“Since re-establishing the BHAC, we’ve made huge strides in improving safety and reliability, guided by the voices of those who know this highway best. With more than 40 projects already fast-tracked as part of the Bruce Highway Target Safety Program and more projects rolling out next year – we’re building on the strong foundations we’ve laid this year.

“I want to thank our regional representatives for their invaluable contribution over the past year. Their local knowledge has been instrumental in shaping priorities for one of Queensland’s most important transport corridors.”

Successful regional representatives will join five peak industry organisations on the council, including the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland, Queensland Trucking Association, Queensland Farmers' Federation, Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the Local Government Association of Queensland.

Regional representatives are appointed to a voluntary 12-month term and may reapply to continue. The government said the council’s structure ensures regional communities like Hinchinbrook have a direct voice in decisions affecting road safety, freight movement and connectivity.

Expressions of Interest are open for representatives from six regions across Queensland, including Far North Queensland, North Queensland, Mackay Whitsunday, Fitzroy, Wide Bay Burnett and North Coast.

Applications for the Bruce Highway Advisory Council close on the 23rd of January.