Ingham Benefits From Bruce Highway Safety Focus

The Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC) met in Gin Gin last week to progress safety upgrades across Queensland’s most vital transport corridor — with Ingham already experiencing the benefits of early action.

As part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Package, announced by the Crisafulli Government and secured in partnership with the Federal Government, one of the first completed safety upgrades is located between Ingham and Townsville. The project was part of the initial rollout of safety works now underway across the state.

Ingham residents who regularly use the Bruce Highway are among the first to see on-the-ground results from the largest investment in the highway in over a decade. The upgrades aim to reduce risk for local drivers and long-haul travellers alike.

The Bruce Highway Advisory Council, chaired by Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg, includes regional voices and industry experts. It was reinstated by the Crisafulli Government to ensure real community input into the future of the highway.

“The Bruce Highway is the spine of Queensland’s road network. That’s why we re-established the Bruce Highway Advisory Council – to ensure the people who live and work along the corridor have a real say in how it’s improved,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“We’ve already seen the impact of this Council’s advice, with more overtaking lanes, intersection upgrades, and rest areas being prioritised in response to what members told us.”

Construction is now underway on six of the 16 early works projects, with Ingham included in this crucial first stage. These works form part of a $300 million fast-tracked rollout, enabled by an 80:20 funding deal struck earlier this year.

A key focus of the latest BHAC meeting was on developing a fatigue management strategy—a priority raised repeatedly by regional members, including those from the north.

“Tragically, 158 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads so far this year,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“We know fatigue can be a silent killer on our roads, and that’s why we’re working with the Council to develop a best-practice fatigue management strategy that will save lives.”

The advisory council’s visit to regional Queensland is not only helping shape a safer highway for the future, but also ensures communities like Ingham are represented when decisions are made.