Media Release

KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kenney Bob Katter has welcomed $830,000 in Federal funding for two dangerous “black spot” road areas in Innisfail and Yarrabah – but he warns that the treacherous Kurrimine-Silkwood intersection on the Bruce Highway has been seriously overlooked and remains a high priority in need of immediate attention.

“The Silkwood, Kurrimine and Bruce Highway crossroad is one of the most dangerous intersections in North Queensland,” said Mr Katter.

“It is an intersection that is located on the most dangerous section of Highway 1 – our country’s major highway.

“This intersection is deadly and has caused hundreds of accidents and near-misses over the years.

“It is the ‘intersection from hell’ and desperately needs two offset access roads either side of the Kurrimine and Silkwood turn-offs.

“The current right angle intersection badly needs the two feeder roads to be turned into converging lanes.

“It also needs a U-turn island incorporated, to ensure passengers and vehicles can travel safely through this busy intersection.”

The $480,000 of Black Spot funding announced today (May 16) will be spent installing a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Grace and Glady streets in Innisfail.

Then Pine Creek and Yarrabah roads intersection in Yarrabah will benefit from a $350,000 upgrade to install guard rails, curve advisory markers, guide posts, advisory signage and raised reflective pavement markers.

“While we appreciate this expenditure by the Federal Government, there remain several other serious ‘black spots’ that need urgent attention – including the Tolga intersection and Telecom corner on the Tumoulin and Kennedy highway between Ravenshoe and Atherton,” said Mr Katter.