Portfolio — 27 March 2026

Senator Chisholm, acting in his capacity as Assistant Minister for Regional Development, announced on 27 March 2026 the release of 22 new contracts under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, a joint initiative of the Australian and Queensland governments [TA-260327-infras-33d18aa9d28a:m39801 TA-260327-infras-47fc0d250bb2:m39801]. The package comprises five construction procurement contracts and 17 design contracts, all targeting the Gympie to Cairns corridor.

The physical scope of the new contracts is substantial: more than 100 kilometres of wide centre line treatments, 50 kilometres of pavement strengthening and new overtaking lanes, five narrow bridge upgrades in north Queensland, road widening, audio-tactile line marking improvements, and upgrades to multiple intersections and rest areas [TA-260327-infras-33d18aa9d28a:m39801].

Contractors will be appointed progressively from April 2026.

The announcement frames the program as well advanced. Eight projects have already been completed, 17 are underway, and a further 13 construction projects are rolling out from early 2026. The 80:20 funding split — with the Commonwealth carrying the larger share — anchors the program as a federally-led regional infrastructure commitment, with the Queensland Crisafulli government as the delivery partner.

All funding remains directed to the Gympie to Cairns corridor, concentrating the safety investment on one of Australia's highest-risk highway stretches.