It is an award that no one would want to receive; the number one spot for most crashes. However, the Bruce Highway in the Rockhampton region has taken out the title for being the worst crash hotspot, according to AAMI’s Decade of Driving report. Eight out of ten most common locations for crashes were on the notorious Bruce Highway.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, has been campaigning about the plight of the Bruce Highway and said this is another indication of how people are risking their lives every time they drive on this main artery of Queensland.
“Drivers using the Bruce Highway are five times more likely to be injured or killed in a crash compared to those who drive on the Hume Highway. Despite this horrific statistic, the federal Labor government has slashed the funding model from 80:20 to 50:50 even though their state colleagues lashed back at this illogical decision.
“Today’s Decade of Driving report from AAMI has once again confirmed that Labor is asleep at the wheel. Already, more than twenty people have lost their lives this year.
“It is a slap in the face for Central Queenslanders who are forced to drive on subpar roads. In the 2022-23 financial year, the Fitzroy region alone contributed $18.1 billion in royalties, generated by the hard work of local miners and farmers contributing $1.88 billion in gross value product in 2023-24.
“This substantial revenue was funnelled into Treasury, only to cover cost blowouts on projects in metropolitan areas,” Ms Landry said.
In the electorate of Capricornia, there are only two overtaking lanes for every 100 kilometres, 31 narrow bridges and over 230 road defects.
“The consequences of funding cuts are real. With funding cuts, the likes of which were made by the Minister for Infrastructure, essential road upgrades are delayed or cancelled and put more lives at risk.
“Far too many families are losing loved ones on our roads, yet Labor is cutting critical road funding and failing to assist councils to make these safety improvements to local roads.
“It’s shameful for the Minister for Infrastructure to claim credit for road safety funding in a cynical attempt to distract from the rising fatalities on our roads throughout Labor’s term in office,” Ms Landry said.
ENDS
