- Procurement is underway for the Tiaro Bypass, marking a significant step towards delivering this critical Bruce Highway upgrade.
- The project is funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli governments in an 80:20 funding split.
- The project will deliver a new four-lane highway east of Tiaro to improve safety, flood resilience and traffic flow.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are getting on with delivering critical Bruce Highway Upgrades, with the Tiaro Bypass is moving towards construction, as procurement for major works has now started.
The highly anticipated project, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, will deliver an 8.5 kilometre four-lane highway east of the township of Tiaro.
The final design includes grade-separated interchanges north and south of Tiaro which will work to improve safety, traffic efficiency and flood immunity along this section of the Bruce Highway.
The Crisafulli Government has engaged with the market for the main construction work and will lead the procurement process, following a recent commitment from the Albanese Government to provide additional funding for the project.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Albanese Government was delivering safer and more reliable highways for regional Australia
"The Albanese Government is committed to delivering safer and more reliable highways for regional communities," Minister King said.
"The Tiaro Bypass is an important project for the efficiency of the Bruce Highway and for the many people who use this critical route. Our additional funding which we provided in the 2026-27 Budget supports it moving to construction.
"We are investing in critical infrastructure to improve safety, reduce congestion and support economic growth across regional Queensland."
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the start of procurement marked a major step forward for the project.
"The Crisafulli Government committed to delivering a safer, more resilient Bruce Highway for Queenslanders, and delivering the Tiaro Bypass is just another way we're getting on with the job," Minister Mickelberg said.
"The start of procurement for the Tiaro Bypass shows we are getting on with the job of improving safety and reliability along the entire Brice Highway.
"By investing in the Tiaro Bypass, we are building a Better Bruce Highway to support a growing population, improving safety for anyone who drives the Bruce and liveability for locals."
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said delivering a better Bruce Highway was a top priority of the Albanese Government.
"Delivering a better Bruce Highway for Queenslanders is a top priority of our government," the Assistant Minister said.
"We've seen the immense safety benefits the Gympie Bypass has delivered for regional Queenslanders; the Tiaro Bypass is another part of the Albanese Government's ongoing commitment to improving safety on the Bruce.
"The Bruce Highway isn't just a major commuter and tourist route; it's also a crucial freight link between Queensland's regional areas and our economically critical ports.
"This investment will provide locals, visitors and freight operators with a safer and more reliable journey."
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said locals had waited too long for this critical upgrade.
"Anyone who has drive through Tiaro over the school holidays, knows how long you can get stuck in traffic trying to get through town," Mr Barounis said.
"It's frustrating for people driving through town, and it's dangerous for pedestrians in town.
"Now we have secured additional funding for this project from the Commonwealth, we are finally getting on with delivering the Tiaro Bypass, just like we said we would."
Construction timeframes will be confirmed once a contractor has been appointed.
