Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, has slammed the Prime Minister’s recent claims about the Bruce Highway, labelling them as desperate election-driven misinformation designed to cover up Labor’s funding cuts and inaction over the past three years.
Ms Landry highlighted that under the former Coalition Government, more than $700 million was invested in the Bruce Highway within Capricornia alone. Key projects delivered during this time included:
- $165.31 million for the Yeppen Floodplain upgrades
- $124.6 million for the Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade
- $49 million for upgrades to the southern approach to Mackay
- $11.4 million for Sarina’s Northern Access Upgrade
- $106.4 million for black spot areas between Rockhampton and Sarina
- $72.6 million for maintenance funding between Rockhampton and Sarina
The Coalition also left a $10 billion package for further vital upgrades, ensuring long-term improvements to safety and accessibility.
In contrast, Labor has slashed funding and delayed critical projects, with $488 million cut from the Bruce Highway in the last Federal Budget. These cuts mean $108.2 million less will be spent on Bruce Highway upgrades this financial year under Labor.
“Labor’s sudden cash injection reeks of an election stunt after three years of funding cuts and delays. Their negligence has cost lives, and now they’re scrambling to spin a narrative of action,” Ms Landry said.
“I’ve fought tirelessly to secure funding for vital road safety and infrastructure projects. From rescuing the Rockhampton Ring Road and Phillips Creek Bridge from Labor’s chopping block to delivering pavement widening and overtaking lanes between Rockhampton and Mackay, I’ve delivered results for Capricornia.”
Ms. Landry also took aim at the Prime Minister for his refusal to reinstate the Coalition’s successful 80:20 funding model for the Bruce Highway, calling the government’s recent announcements “disingenuous.”
“Capricornia deserves real leadership, not empty promises and lies. I’m proud of my record, and I’ll continue to stand up for our region’s vital road projects, no matter how much Labor tries to rewrite history,” Ms Landry said.
