The Goorganga Plains and Myrtle Creek sections currently experience poor flood immunity, limiting connectivity for communities for at least one-third of the year. During major floods there is no viable alternative route for diversions. The asset condition is deteriorating and does not meet Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads safety or engineering standards. The ongoing flood damage results in high maintenance costs.
The proposal supports Australian Government goals to ensure a safe, efficient and resilient road network in northern Australia, and aligns with Queensland Government priorities to connect growing regions and unlock economic opportunity through improved infrastructure.
The proposal will improve travel times, reduce vehicle operating costs, and enhance safety. It will also deliver important benefits for communities north of the project during floods, including improved access to emergency services, better connectivity to essential services and tourism regions and greater supply chain and network resilience.
Deliverability
The proponent and industry have the capability and capacity to deliver the proposal. However, material and labour constraints are expected due to forecast market activity, and staging is planned to manage this risk.
Next Steps
Infrastructure Australia supports the upgrade of the Goorganga Plains section of the Bruce Highway to improve flood resilience, safety and connectivity.
We recommend the proponent update the cost estimate for the Myrtle Creek section to account for the impact of technical and environmental risks, and include cost escalation rates that more accurately reflect market conditions, before delivery funding is sought from the Australian Government.
