BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 23 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:
Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Tim Mander
* A stronger and more resilient Cuttaburra Crossing has been delivered for Western Queensland communities, with Stage One of the upgrade now complete.
* Three kilometres of newly sealed road across the Eyre Creek floodplain will improve access and reliability between Bedourie and Birdsville.
* Stage Two is progressing through detailed design and will further strengthen this critical transport link.
* This upgrade forms part of theAlbanese and Crisafulli Governments' commitment to rebuilding stronger, more resilient infrastructure and helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer.
Western Queensland communities, freight operators and travellers are set to benefit fromimproved safety and resilience on the Cuttaburra Crossing, with Stage One of the upgrade now complete.
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the project is helping strengthen critical transport links across the region and reduce the impacts of future flooding events.
The completion of Stage One marks a major milestone in the upgrade of Cuttaburra Crossing at Eyre Creek, located around 60 kilometres south of Bedourie on the Eyre Developmental Road, one of Western Queensland's most important transport routes.
The project forms part of the 2024-25 Betterment Program, which is delivering resilience upgrades on six State-controlled roads affected by the Western Queensland Surface Trough and Associated Rainfall and Flooding event in 2025.
Stage One has delivered around three kilometres of newly sealed road across the Eyre Creek floodplain, helping improve reliability, reduce disruptions and keep communities, businesses and freight moving during and after severe weather events.
Cuttaburra Crossing was prioritised because of its history of prolonged flood-related closures and its importance in supporting local communities, freight movements, tourism and essential services across Western Queensland.
The work doesn't stop here, with Stage Two now progressing through detailed design. The next stage is expected to deliver a further six kilometres of sealed road, pavement strengthening, drainage improvements and additional flood resilience measures.
Once complete, the full upgrade will significantly reduce road closure times and improve access for residents, businesses, freight operators and visitors travelling through the region.
The Betterment Program is designed to build back better by restoring disaster-affected infrastructure to a stronger and more resilient standard, reducing future disruption and supporting faster recovery when severe weather events occur.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said communities in Western Queensland wouldknow how disruptive severe weather and flooding can be, which is why the Albanese Government was committed to projects that build stronger, more resilient infrastructure.
"The completion of stage one of the Cuttaburra Crossing upgrade is a great example of how we're working to strengthen critical transport links and reduce the impacts of future flooding events," Minister McBain said.
"These works will help keep communities connected, support local businesses and freight operators, and improve access across Western Queensland when severe weather strikes."
Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Tim Mander said the milestone highlighted the Crisafulli Government's commitment to investing in regional Queensland and delivering the infrastructure communities need.
"The completion of Stage One of the Cuttaburra Crossing upgrade is a significant milestone for Western Queensland and another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering the road infrastructure regional communities rely on every day," Minister Mander said.
"We said we would invest in regional Queensland, strengthen critical transport links and help communities recover after natural disasters, and that's exactly what we're doing.
"The Eyre Developmental Road is a vital connection for local communities, primary producers, freight operators and visitors. These upgrades will mean fewer disruptions, more reliable journeys, and a road network better equipped to withstand future flooding events.
"We're getting on with the job of building stronger regional roads, supporting economic growth and helping Queenslanders get home soonerand safer."
Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland Sean Dillon welcomed the completion of Stage One and said it demonstrated the importance of investing in resilient regional infrastructure.
"Projects like this are about more than just rebuilding roads. The Crisafulli Government is making sure communities stay connected and can recover more quickly when severe weather strikes," Assistant Minister Dillonsaid.
"This upgrade will strengthen a critical transport link for Western Queensland and provide long-term benefits for residents, businesses and the freight industry."
Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said the completion of Stage One was welcome news for the local community.
"Our communities know how important this road is for Western Queensland, particularly during and after major weather events," Ms Leahy said.
"The completion of Stage One at Cuttaburra Crossing is a major step forward in improving reliability and resilience on this critical corridor, helping keep local communities, businesses and freight operators connected.
"This is a critical investment for the region, delivering better roads for local communities, with Stage Two set to deliver further improvements where they're needed most."
For more information visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/flood-resilience-works
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister McBain: Andrew Benson, 0436 289 839
Minister Mickelberg: Mardi Norton, 0467 746 523
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
