Joint media release with Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm and the Hon Brent Mickelberg MP
- The resilience of six key state roads will be improved following impacts by the largest flood event in western Queensland in 50 years.
- $155 million has been approved through the 2024–25 Betterment Fund to reduce future flood impacts and minimise disruption to critical access and supply routes.
- The funding is provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Six major road upgrades will be delivered across western Queensland to improve flood resilience and protect vital transport links.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are committing $155 million in betterment works on key state-controlled roads that were severely impacted by the region’s most significant flood event in half a century.
The funding was approved following the western Queensland floods under the 2024–25 Betterment Fund and will support infrastructure improvements designed to reduce future flood damage and maintain access to essential services and supply routes.
The works are being delivered through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Between March and May 2025, record-breaking rainfall caused prolonged flooding across western Queensland, resulting in extensive damage to the road network. Emergency works have since reopened affected roads, and detailed damage assessments are now underway to scope long-term repairs.
The six betterment projects approved for delivery include:
- Eyre Developmental Road – Cuttaburra crossing upgrade
- Balonne Highway (St George – Cunnamulla) – Wallam Creek drainage upgrades
- Diamantina Developmental Road (Charleville – Quilpie) – upgrades to Warrego River and Ward River floodways, and Quilberry Creek drainage
- Quilpie – Thargomindah Road – South Comongin Crossing upgrade
- Hungerford Road – Paroo River crossing upgrade
- Bulloo Developmental Road (Cunnamulla – Thargomindah) – Paroo River Bridge
Pre-construction activities, including detailed design and contractor procurement, are underway. Construction will be delivered over the next three years.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“This $155 million investment will ensure that communities in western Queensland have safer, more reliable roads that can withstand future floods and keep essential services flowing.
“We’ve seen firsthand the disruption these floods caused, and these upgrades will mean residents and businesses can get where they need to go even when weather turns extreme.
“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring we build back better. Not just repairing roads, but protecting livelihoods, supporting local economies, and making sure western Queensland is stronger when the next flood comes.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm:
“It’s essential that regional roads like these receive the funding they deserve, and our government is standing with Western Queensland to help them build back better.
“These roads are the lifelines for our regional communities and improving them is essential for safety, connectivity and the reliable movement of goods and services.
“The Albanese Government will continue to listen to regional Queenslanders to deliver investment where it’s needed most.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg:
"The Queensland Government is committed to improving the resilience of key inland routes from future natural disasters. These routes are critical for resupply and connectivity for rural and regional communities in Western Queensland.
"We are continuing to work with the Australian Government to improve our ability to recover from natural disasters, like the devastating floods experienced in western Queensland, to build back better and improve the resilience of the state road network.
"This long-term investment approach will reduce the damage costs of future natural disasters and, importantly, help minimise the disruption they cause to communities and industry."
