- Betterment upgrades in Richmond Shire will replace the flood prone Cambridge Crossing causeway with a bridge.
- The new bridge will reduce access disruption and isolation during future flood events in the north-west.
- This project is part of the 2025-26 Betterment Program, funded under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Disaster resilience in Richmond Shire will be boosted by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through a Betterment project to replace a notoriously flood-prone causeway with a more resilient bridge.
Upgrading Richmond's Cambridge Crossing causeway with a raised, reinforced bridge will help keep the key north-west transport route open during flood events and will protect residents and industry from drawn out periods of isolation.
Recent major floods closed Cambridge Crossing causeway, a vital section on Richmond-Croydon Road, and with limited alternative routes available it impacted local freight and visitor movement, emergency services, and recovery and resupply efforts.
Building a new bridge over the crossing will address these recurring issues and allow the road to better withstand the impacts of severe weather.
The project is part of an $89.91 million Betterment Program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) approved in response to the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and Severe Weather event of the 2025-26 disaster season.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said Betterment investments in stronger, more resilient infrastructure offered substantial long-term benefits.
"Roads like Richmond-Croydon Road are essential lifelines for remote communities, which is why we want to minimise flood risk," Minister McBain said.
"Replacing Cambridge Crossing causeway with a bridge will ensure the people of Richmond Shire can face future monsoon seasons with increased confidence."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said that Betterment is about ensuring Queensland communities were stronger and more resilient in the years ahead.
"Upgrading the Cambridge Crossing will improve flood resilience and help keep the Richmond-Croydon Road open during severe weather, reducing isolation in north-west Queensland," Minister Leahy said.
"The Crisafulli Government has doubled its investment in Betterment to help regional Queensland build back better."
Richmond Shire Council Mayor John Wharton said the funding would be a game-changer for the shire's northern residents and the cattle industry that brings over 100,000 head down the Richmond-Croydon Road every year.
"Every wet season we see access through Cambridge Crossing cut for long periods, and that has a real impact on property owners and local businesses who rely on the route for their livelihoods," Mayor Wharton said.
"Trucks need to be able to get through to move cattle, deliver fuel and supplies, and keep communities connected, so a stronger and more reliable bridge will make the route far more resilient into the future."
