- Expressions of Interest open have opened this week for the next round of regional representatives to join the Bruce Highway Advisory Council.
- The six members will join five industry bodies on the Council to inform key priorities to improve the Bruce Highway.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is inviting regional Queenslanders to put forward expressions of interest to join the Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC), building on the strong foundations laid since its re-establishment 12 months ago.
The Bruce Highway Advisory Council has played a vital role in shaping priorities for the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and the development of a Fatigue Management Strategy.
Unlike the former Labor government, which abandoned the fight for fair funding to fix the Bruce and allowed it to deteriorate, the Crisafulli Government secured an 80:20 funding deal from the Federal Government - ensuring we can deliver the highway upgrades our regional communities deserve.
Chaired by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the BHAC brings together a group of diverse stakeholders from the Pine River up to Far North Queensland to discuss current problems along the Highway and where investment should be prioritised.
Expressions of Interest are open for one regional representative from each of the following areas:
- Far North Queensland
- North Queensland
- Mackay Whitsunday
- Fitzroy
- Wide Bay Burnett
- North Coast
The six regional representatives will join industry experts and peak bodies on the Council including:
- Royal Automobile Club of Queensland
- Queensland Trucking Association
- Queensland Farmers' Federation
- Queensland Tourism Industry Council
- Local Government Association of Queensland
As per the Council's Terms of Reference the regional representatives sign up for a voluntary 12-month role and are eligible to reapply if they wish to continue.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was taking a proactive approach to help address the many challenges facing the Bruce Highway, by listening to the voices of those who regularly use it.
"The Bruce Highway is the lifeline of regional Queensland, and we're committed to making it safer, more reliable, and fit for the future. Unlike Labor, who cut the Advisory Council after it met only a handful of times, we brought it back 12 months ago - and it's delivering real results," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Since re-establishing the BHAC, we've made huge strides in improving safety and reliability, guided by the voices of those who know this highway best. With more than 40 projects already fast-tracked as part of the Bruce Highway Target Safety Program and more projects rolling out next year – we're building on the strong foundations we've laid this year.
"I want to thank our regional representatives for their invaluable contribution over the past year. Their local knowledge has been instrumental in shaping priorities for one of Queensland's most important transport corridors."
