Media Release

KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has recognised the dedication of local communities in the electorate in securing billions of dollars of Federal Government funding for the Bruce Highway.

“We have had the highest grants for any electorate in Australia with an estimated $2 billion, the vast bulk of that secured over the last four years,” Mr Katter said.

One area to benefit from this funding is Ingham with the construction of a new, higher and longer bridge to replace the Cattle Creek and Frances Creek bridges, and the raising of the road between Cattle Creek and Toobanna.

Cattle and Frances Creeks cause severe delays during wet periods and this investment will reduce these times by up to two weeks.

“This is simply excellent news for our fruit, vegetable and tourism industries. Our banana farmers in particular will be relieved that these delays will be avoided,” Mr Katter said.

“It is absolutely gratifying that the Government have come to the table here and we congratulate the people that have worked very hard for this.

“We have been in meeting after meeting after meeting demanding action and money for Cattle Creek and Frances Creek,” Mr Katter said.

“We sincerely thank the previous Deputy Mayor of Hinchinbrook Shire Council Andrew Lancini, Herbert Region Director ACFA Carol Mackee, Mayor of Hinchinbrook Shire Council Roger Bow and our community who have put extreme pressure on us and the Federal Government to improve flood immunity.”

Funding has also been allocated for pavement strengthening and/or widening of nearly 80km of the Bruce Highway between Home Hill and Ingham, including the Stuart Bypass intersection to Lannercost Street and Lannercost Street to north of Ingham.

The Federal Governments 10 year plan, $4.1 billion capital works program includes fixing over 100 dangerous black spots between Caboolture and Cairns.

The funding commitment includes the completion of the final section of the Townsville Ring Road, which connects the Douglas Arterial road to the Bruce Highway at Mount Low.

“This commitment to the Townsville Ring Road is a tremendous advantage for the region and will significantly lower congestion in the greater Townsville area. It will also give much speedier movement for traffic moving from the west or south onto the north Bruce Highway,” Mr Katter said.

“Once again we thank all the people that have done a terrific job in securing this funding.

“There is still significant work to be done including the Flinders Highway (Western Highway) between Charters Towers and the mid-west. This area is simply collapsing.

“Another key priority for us is the widening and building of double lanes for the Gulf Highway.

“Serious consideration also needs to be given for a short tunnel through the range within the area behind Gordonvale and near Yungaburra.

“We are also determined to resume and reserve land, which is required to launch a second eastern road corridor into Cairns.

“Our intense pressure and community drive has yielded these great benefits and we do hope that these benefits will extend for these other projects,” Mr Katter said.