- The Crisafulli Government is delivering plans to improve flood resilience on Moonie Highway near Dalby following decade of decline under former Labor Government.
- Investigations to target flood-prone sections of road to reduce closures during major weather events.
- Project delivers on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to strengthen regional connectivity and support local industries and delivering a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and has commenced planning to improve flood immunity and resilience on the Moonie Highway south of Dalby, getting on with the job of delivering a regional road network that is efficient, reliable, productive, and safe, after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
Investigations will assess the option of raising the road surface between the Condamine River and Myall Creek crossings to align with Loudoun Bridge, as well as ways to strengthen the road between Broadwater Road and Duleen–Daandine Road, known locally as 'Long Swamp', to better withstand extreme weather.
Planning will focus on real, practical measures to reduce the number and length of highway shutdowns, keeping communities connected and goods moving, after years of Labor inaction leaving families cut off, farmers stranded and freight delayed, hurting the agricultural and energy sectors that drive the Western Downs economy.
Specialist work will include detailed hydraulic modelling, innovative road surface design, environmental and cultural heritage assessments, and close consultation with local property owners and the Western Downs Regional Council to ensure the upgrades meet community needs.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for regional Queensland communities who were forgotten during the former Labor Government's decade of decline.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Moonie Highway was a vital link for communities and industries in the Western Downs that had been overlooked by the former Government.
"Labor left the Moonie Highway vulnerable for years, cutting off families and stalling freight when it mattered most," Minister Mickelberg said.
"The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job, fixing the failures of the former Government with planning that delivers practical solutions to keep Queenslanders and goods moving.
"Stronger flood resilience on the Moonie Highway should have been a priority long ago. This is about supporting the industries that power our economy and ensuring regional communities aren't isolated when disaster strikes."
Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the project reflected the Crisafulli Government's commitment to building resilience in regional Queensland.
"Investing in flood immunity is about protecting communities and ensuring they can bounce back quickly after disasters that threaten our region," Minister Leahy said.
"The Moonie Highway is a major interstate freight route, it enables high flood immunity for this particular crossing to ensure our region remains operational."
"This is a practical, common-sense approach that ensures the Western Downs get the infrastructure it needs now and into the future."
Community consultation will commence early 2026 to help shape the planning process.
