Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch MP, has today acknowledged the Queensland Government’s recent announcement regarding the construction of a new bridge across the Barron River at Kuranda. While welcoming this long-overdue development, Mr. Entsch has expressed concerns about the broader infrastructure needs of Far North Queensland.
“I am pleased to see the government finally addressing the aging infrastructure at Kuranda with a $450 million commitment to build a new bridge by 2031. However, it’s disappointing that this necessary action was not initiated sooner, given the known 60-year lifespan of the current bridge. We should have seen plans and financial allocations put in place much earlier to avoid the disruptions we’re now experiencing along the route,” said Mr. Entsch.
The new bridge is part of a crucial infrastructure upgrade needed in the region but does not fully address the comprehensive transport challenges faced by local communities and businesses. Mr. Entsch emphasised that while the new bridge would improve current conditions, it only solves part of the problem.
“The Kuranda range serves our region as a local and tourist route, it will never be suitable as a heavy vehicle corridor. What we urgently need is a commitment from the State Government and Opposition to explore and fund an alternate route to the tablelands. This is essential for our local logistics and transport sectors and will improve accessibility to our rail depo, port infrastructure and airport, which critical if we want to unlock greater economic growth,” Mr. Entsch added.
Mr. Entsch has called for immediate action beyond the pre-election promises: “We need to see an acceleration in the planning and development of alternative routes. We have previously discussed a $22 million joint commitment from State and Federal for a comprehensive assessment for alternative tablelands access routes, including engineering and costings. It’s time to turn these discussions into action.”
In the lead up to the October Queensland election Mr. Entsch is calling on all sides to get behind a long-term comprehensive solution for accessing the tablelands. “Our community deserves better than band-aid solutions. We need a robust and forward-thinking plan that ensures sustainable development and addresses all logistical needs of Far North Queensland,” he concluded.
