How are we going to deliver the Bruce Highway?

By Harri Bancroft, Policy Manager – Roads Australia

Source: Bruce Highway bridge collapse cuts off flooded north Queensland – published by ABC on 3 Feb 2025

Just weeks ago, supermarket shelves in Cairns and Gympie were left empty after a bridge on the Bruce Highway collapsed, making it impossible for freight to service north-east Queensland.

The resilience of this 1,800km long asset is critical. But just as paramount is its safety. Last year was the deadliest year on the Bruce Highway in more than 15 years. That is why Roads Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s $7.2 billion commitment to bring the Bruce Highway up to a three-star safety rating.

At our Brisbane Industry Lunch with Sally Stannard, Director General of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), we discussed what it will take for Government and Industry to boost productivity to deliver the upgrades over the next six years.

The event looked at best practice approaches to engage with the market and develop packaging and procurement models to efficiently deliver the $9 billion program within an ambitious timeline.

Sally Stannard made it clear that TMR is genuine about engaging with industry, collaborative contracting, and sharing innovations. She confirmed that there would still be opportunities for unsuccessful tenderers as the program is delivered, as there is so much work to do.

TMR is being geographically sensible about where industry has capacity to deliver upgrades, with so much infrastructure planned for delivery in the state. They are also working to reduce friction by creating “one door” for industry into the program of works.

Panellist Jen Charlesworth, Group Director Transport QNT at AECOM, affirmed that local content requirements are very important, as designers and engineers will have a better understanding of the local context. Panellist Sean Donald, General Manager Queensland at Georgiou, agreed but noted local materials will differ based on supply which can impact costs.

We heard that cascading early engagement is key to better understanding costs and risks. Government needs to share desired outcomes with designers as soon as possible, and designers need to share plans with constructors as soon as possible.

Roads Australia would like to thank our guest speaker, Sally Stannard, and panellists Jen Charlesworth and Sean Donald for their generous contributions. We would also like to thank our event sponsor Stantec, who have worked along the Bruce Highway for almost 100 years.