Labor is building Far North Queensland’s future by delivering $245 million towards a new bridge over the Barron River on the Kennedy Highway.

The Kennedy Highway is a major east-west link connecting Cairns to Far North Queensland, crossing difficult terrain and providing an important transport route for local residents, freight and tourists.

This section of the highway carries around 9000 vehicles per day, including heavy vehicles.

The existing bridge was constructed in 1963 and its condition continues to deteriorate with ongoing metal fatigue and cracking. Once complete, the new bridge will be a massive improvement to freight and commuter access across Far North Queensland.

The work is expected to support an average of 150 direct jobs over the course of the project.

This is part of Labor's plan to upgrade key roads in Far North Queensland, including investing $7.2 billion for safety upgrades on the Bruce Highway, another $70 million to seal and upgrade the Kennedy Developmental Road and $210 million for the Kuranda Range Road.

The $245 million investment is a decision of Government and is fully budgeted for.

We are building Far North Queensland's Future by delivering projects through our Housing Support Program:

• $6.5m to facilitate two new residential expansion areas in north and south of Pormpuraaw.
• $1.6m to help turn 14 lots into 34 lots in Napranum.
• $9.9m to deliver 32 fully serviced lots in Seisia.
• $5.1m to support a 20-lot social housing development in Bamaga.
• $1.8m to provide trunk infrastructure to the social housing development in New Mapoon.

We are also funding seven projects through our Growing Regions Funding:

• $4m for the Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre.
• $2m to upgrade the PCYC Cairns facilities.
• $5m to upgrade the Redlynch Community Sporting Precinct.
• $2.65m for Stage 2 of the Cultural Knowledge Centre in Dixie for the Olkola People.
• $1.96m for streetscape beautification and shared cycle and pedestrian paths in Mapoon.
• $7.49m for a new council administration and community hub for Wujal Wujal.
• $1.84m for a Digital Services Centre in Hope Vale.

We will work with the Queensland Government to replace the existing bridge with construction expected to commence in early 2028.

Comments attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

"My Government is building Far North Queensland's future.

"We are delivering $245 million to upgrade the Barron River Bridge which will be a huge improvement for local residents, tourists and make it easier for freight to travel through.

"This is on top of our other major investments to upgrade the Bruce Highway and Kennedy Developmental Road, as well as funding much needed social housing and community facility upgrades.

"This is good for the local community, good for local jobs and good for local businesses.”

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This Government is building Australia’s future through transformative road infrastructure projects such as the new Barron River Bridge.

“With the Kennedy Highway such a vital transport link across Far North Queensland, our $245 million investment will help keep locals, tourists and freight moving.

“We’ll continue to work closely with the state government to deliver the road and rail projects that matter most to Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Matt Smith, Candidate for Leichhardt:

“Labor is building the future of Far North Queensland by investing right across the board.
 
“Whether it’s in roads like the Barron River Bridge or the Bruce Highway, in local infrastructure like the PCYC or the multicultural centre, or in health by delivering a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in both the north and south of Cairns.
 
“Labor is delivering on what the Far North needs because we’re listening to locals and we’re delivering.”