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General News

31 July, 2024

Highway to hell: North West's main road not up to scratch

Robbie Katter says the Flinders Highway has been neglected by the state and federal governments.

By North West Weekly

Robbie Katter with Flinders Shire mayor Kate Peddle on the outskirts of Hughenden on the Flinders Highway.
Robbie Katter with Flinders Shire mayor Kate Peddle on the outskirts of Hughenden on the Flinders Highway.

A petition to the Queensland Parliament has been launched to support calls for immediate upgrades to the Flinders Highway.

The state of disrepair plaguing the main road from Townsville to Cloncurry is nothing short of governmental incompetence, Robbie Katter said.

“Unlike the current government who merely pay lip service to rural infrastructure issues, the KAP and I have consistently been the squeaky wheel fighting for real improvements to the highway,” the Member for Traeger said.

“Lives are at risk because of the disgraceful state of the Flinders Highway with crumbling shoulders, failing bridges and tarmac looking like it has been hit by aerial bombing.

“The highway is notoriously bad for fatal accidents, and safety issues are compounded by light vehicles and an increasing number of heavy haulage vehicles trying to navigate long stretches of road with no passing lanes, failing bridges and river crossings and sections reduced to one lane.”

The Flinders Highway is one of the most important national economic freight routes in Australia supporting a half a billion-dollar cattle and mining industry and will become the most important green energy and critical mineral route to deliver the $5 billion CopperString 2032 project.

“Let’s call a spade a spade – despite being fully aware of the facts, the government continues to fail to prioritise essential maintenance and upgrades to the highway, instead choosing to fund major Brisbane projects and extravagances,” Mr Katter said.

“In its current state the Flinders is not fit for purpose and is causing unnecessary damage to vehicles and poses significant risks to the safety and lives of its users.

“It is utterly unacceptable that North West Queensland continues to lag behind Brisbane and the south-east when it comes to our roads. The Flinders Highway is an embarrassment, and I will relentlessly push the government for immediate action.”

A copy of the petition can be signed at Mr Katter’s offices in Mount Isa and Charters Towers.

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