- Betterment investment is earmarked for Flinders Highway to improve road access in the north-west during flood events.
- Works target two stretches of the regional highway – Hughenden to Richmond and Richmond to Julia Creek.
- These projects are part of the 2025-26 Betterment Program, funded under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
New resilience investment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments will improve access reliability on the Flinders Highway in north-west Queensland.
The Betterment projects will strengthen the road surface and drainage along two critical sections between Hughenden and Richmond, and Richmond and Julia Creek.
This includes notorious parts of the highway such as Chatfield Creek where nearby communities are regularly isolated by flooding, which disrupts local connectivity and industries.
Flinders Highway is the only viable trucking supply chain route for north-west Queensland, making upgrades to the road of paramount importance for major sectors like mining and agriculture.
These projects are part of an $89.91 million Betterment Program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to support recovery from the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and Severe Weather of 2025-26, with construction timeframes to be confirmed following detailed design works.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Betterment projects would help ensure the Flinders Highway is more resilient to future flooding.
"Upfront investment in stronger infrastructure and more resilient communities saves money for all levels of government and provides long-term benefits across the region," Minister McBain said.
"By strengthening the highway and improving drainage we'll reduce isolation during floods and accelerate community recovery following a disaster event."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said this targeted Betterment investment would limit the impact flooding has on the region's economy and will keep essential supplies moving for communities.
"Flinders Highway is a vital transit artery for north-west Queensland, supporting mining, agriculture and tourism from Townsville to Cloncurry," Minister Leahy said.
"Through our Betterment Program, the Crisafulli Government is investing in more resilient infrastructure to ensure the Flinders Highway can better withstand future severe weather events and support regional recovery."
Flinders Shire Council Mayor Kate Peddle said the upgrades would help deliver a more consistent, reliable standard of road for all users, and improve resilience over time.
"Following significant rain there's a section of the highway approximately 20 kilometres west of Hughenden that can deteriorate quickly, with ongoing maintenance required due to its limited resilience under heavy freight use," Mayor Peddle said.
"The investment into fully reconstructing this section of the highway, and improvements to drainage, will ensure it's built stronger and more resilient to ongoing weather impacts."
Richmond Shire Council Mayor John Wharton said the upgrades were important not just for Richmond Shire but for the whole north-west that relies on the highway every day.
"The Flinders Highway is our main supply route and when sections go under during floods it affects everything: freight, fuel, groceries, tourism, and getting cattle in and out," Mayor Wharton said.
"Improving these flood hot spots will help keep trucks moving, reduce isolation for communities and properties, and give people more confidence the road will stay open and recover quicker after major weather events."
