Works have begun to upgrade a 1.4-kilometre section of the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road at Hamilton Plains in the Whitsunday region.
On average around 8000 vehicles a day rely on this section of road.
These works will improve flooding and drainage on the key arterial route connecting the Bruce Highway and Proserpine to Whitsunday towns including Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and the port of Shute Harbour.
The upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.
Major works between the Bruce Highway and Strathdickie Road will include raising the road level, widening the road and road shoulders, and installing larger culverts and better drainage to improve safety in this flood-prone area.
During flooding this vital link can be cut off for up to two days, restricting residents from accessing the Proserpine Airport and the local hospital.
According to modelling, these improvements will reduce disruptions from 17 hours to less than one hour during a one in 10-year flood event, enhancing reliability and accessibility.
Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Julie Collins said these works near Proserpine would improve flood resilience and reliability along roads in the Whitsunday region.
“This is about ensuring that the community and local businesses are safer and better connected,” Collins said.
“After many years of closures along Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road due to flooding, we are committed to delivering these critical upgrades in partnership with the Queensland Government.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg added, “It is unacceptable that locals are left without a direct route to their hospital and airport every time Hamilton Plains floods, which is why the Crisafulli Government has provided extra funding to ensure the project can be delivered.
“The transition from early works into main construction signifies a giant step forward in improving flood resilience and ensuring safer, more reliable travel for locals, tourists and freight operators across the region.”
Senator for Queensland Corinne Mullholland said, “These improvements ensure that this key route in the Whitsunday region is upgraded, reducing the impact of flooding for motorists who use this stretch of road daily.
“Safety is our number one priority, and we thank residents for their patience while we undertake these essential works.”
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