- Detailed design contracts have been awarded for three major projects to improve the resilience of south-western Queensland roads.
- The projects are part of a $155 million jointly funded infrastructure Betterment package for western Queensland roads hit hard by the 2025 floods.
- A total of six priority sites will be built back better to reduce future flood damage and maintain access to essential services and supply routes.
Three key projects to strengthen flood resilience on critical supply routes in south-western Queensland are progressing to detailed design.
This important phase of work will see concept plans refined into detailed construction designs for projects at Bulloo Developmental Road (Cunnamulla–Thargomindah) at Paroo River Bridge, Eulo, Quilpie–Thargomindah Road at South Comongin Crossing and Balonne Highway at Wallam Creek, Bollon.
The extraordinary disaster assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The Paroo River Bridge at Eulo, which currently closes for an average of 10 days each year due to flooding, will be replaced with a higher bridge and road approach to reduce closure times.
Quilpie–Thargomindah Road, where the South Comongin Crossing can be cut for more than seven weeks each year due to flooding, will see the crossing and approach levels raised to significantly reduce the annual closure duration.
Major drainage improvements at Wallam Creek at Bollon on the Balonne Highway will improve the resilience of this critical freight and tourism route connecting St George to the regional centre of Cunnamulla.
Detailed design on the Balonne Highway betterment project is expected to be completed in mid-2026, with designs for the other two projects due for completion in late 2026.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government supports projects that strengthen resilience.
"The Albanese Government is committed to providing support that improves disaster resilience to the regions that need it," Minister McBain said.
"We will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that when we help disaster affected communities recover, we make them stronger for the future."
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said it's important flood-impacted communities have resilient road corridors.
"As we continue to deal with further flooding this season, the Crisafulli Government understands the importance of supporting western Queensland communities to recover quickly," Minister Mickelberg said.
"We're also committed to working with the Australian Government to build back better where we can.
"During my recent visit to the region, the common theme from locals I spoke to was they were eagerly awaiting upgrades on these critical road corridors. These roads are the lifeline of these communities, and our aim is to make them more resilient to future flooding.
"I'm confident these upgrades will assist in ensuring these regional road assets are fit for purpose to enable reliable access, timely evacuations and the delivery of critical supplies during and after adverse weather events."
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm said these projects had been selected to deliver the most benefit to drivers and freight operators.
"Locals in Western Queensland know these roads well, and they're often the first to deal with the consequences when a local bridge or road is cut off due to flooding.
"This package of work has been designed to make travel safer and roads more reliable for families, truckies, workers and visitors in Western Queensland.
"Alongside the Queensland Government, we're building stronger infrastructure for Queenslanders and making sure we're better prepared for natural disasters in the future."
