Dametto calls for action on Gairloch washaway upgrades

31st March 2022

Nick Dametto MP, Mayor Ramon Jayo and Bob Katter MP.

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has called on the Minister for Transport and Main Roads for a progress report and project commencement date for the Gairloch Flood Immunity Upgrade project.

Back in October 2021, the Minister announced that Transport and Main Roads would soon commence the vital planning process.

In a Question on Notice, Mr Dametto asked the Hon. Mark Bailey to update the Hinchinbrook residents and road users on the progress of the Gairloch Flood Immunity Upgrade project and advise when the project is planned to commence.

The Hinchinbrook MP said the planned upgrade to the Bruce Highway at the Gairloch washaway seeks to lift and realign this section of the highway.

“This project will increase road safety and reduce wait times due to flood water road closures,” Mr Dametto said.

“The Gairloch washaway section of the Bruce Highway is one of the first roads to be closed when Ingham receives enough rainfall for a minor flood due to its design.

“We need to improve flood immunity at Gairloch to ensure that Bruce Highway can remain open during these times.

“The 40 million contributed from the Federal Government for this project has been sitting there collecting dust for over 10 years. It’s time to get a move on.”

Kennedy MP, Bob Katter, said the Queensland State Government needed to stop being a roadblock on highway upgrades in North Queensland.

“They’ve spent billions in Brisbane and the South East on tunnels and overpasses while neglecting North Queensland,” Mr Katter said.

“Even when Federal funding is sitting on the table, as is the case with the Gairloch washaway upgrades, they still find a way to slow the process down.

“Getting freight in and out during floods and cyclones is critical and this is an important project.”

The Hinchinbrook MP is eager to receive the Minister’s response to clarify the progress of the project and he hopes no further delays are encountered.

—ENDS—