- Betterment upgrades are set to improve the safety and resilience of the Mackay-Eungella Road west of Mackay.
- Upgrades target a 1.5-kilometre section of the road heavily impacted by flooding earlier this year.
- This project is part of the 2025-26 Betterment Program, funded under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Safety and resilience will be prioritised with Betterment works to repair a section of the Mackay-Eungella Road badly damaged by recent flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.
The works will target a 1.5-kilometre section of the road linking the rural townships of Gargett, Pinnacle and Finch Hatton, and the tourist area of Eungella, and are jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Upgrades will include slope treatments to reduce the likelihood of rockfalls, and drainage enhancements to improve waterflow during intense rainfall.
The project is part of an $89.91 million DRFA Betterment Program to support recovery from the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and Severe Weather of 2025-26.
In January this year, Cyclone Koji's heavy monsoonal rain triggered landslips along Mackay-Eungella Road, which is Mackay's main link to the picturesque Pioneer Valley.
Road closures following the landslips have restricted community and industry movement and limited tourist access to the popular Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said Betterment invests in a stronger future for communities.
"By building back better we're reducing the impacts of future disasters, lessening the likelihood of road closures, and saving money through a reduction in reconstruction costs," Minister McBain said.
"Making this section of Mackay-Eungella Road more resilient is a wonderful and welcome outcome for Pioneer Valley communities."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said Betterment remained a key priority for the Crisafulli Government, improving community disaster resilience across the State.
"Cyclone Koji caused significant damage to Eungella Range, disrupting access for residents, local businesses and tourists travelling through the Pioneer Valley," Minister Leahy said.
"These Betterment upgrades will improve safety and resilience along this important route by reducing the risk of future damage from severe weather and improving drainage during heavy rainfall."
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Nita Green, said this project will improve the outcomes of residents and visitors during the wet season, as well as provide peace of mind.
"This project will build resilience leading into next wet season, which will be a great relief to locals too familiar with being cut off during heavy weather.
"Queenslanders are tough, but being isolated from essential services isn't something they should have to face, and this investment will go a long way in ensuring that they won't have to next time."
Queensland Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the Eungella Range is a vital link for rural townships in the region, and the upgrades are welcome.
"These works are essential to improve the road's reliability to keep communities throughout the Mirani electorate moving," Mr Kelly said.
"Improvements to this road will boost our economy, support local small businesses and agriculture operators, and allow more tourists to explore the natural beauty our region is blessed with."
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay-Eungella Road is more than just a transport route.
"This road is a vital lifeline connecting our Eungella community to essential services, jobs, and the broader region," Mayor Williamson said.
"Strengthening and maintaining this corridor is critical to improving resilience, ensuring our communities remain connected during extreme weather events and supporting the long-term sustainability of one of our most valued hinterland areas and tourism assets."
For more information about Betterment in Queensland, visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/betterment.
