General News
19 February, 2025
Last stretch of Kennedy Developmental Road to be finally sealed
Anthony Albanese made the commitment in federal parliament last week.
North West leaders have praised the federal government’s “long overdue” decision to seal the remaining 10.8km section of the Kennedy Developmental Road, north of Hughenden.
The road, also known as the Hann Highway, is a key piece of transport infrastructure that often provides an alternative to the Bruce Highway.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week vowed to complete that project in response to a question in parliament from Kennedy MP Bob Katter.
“It’s a great example of, frankly, stuff that needs to be done better,” Mr Albanese said.
“Ten kilometres of that road is still dirt, and that has meant that it hasn’t been able to be used. We have funding provided for it.
“That will be fixed.”
Mr Katter reminded the Prime Minister that the road could have been that unbroken chain in supply for goods to and from North Queensland.
“There is just 10.8km of unsealed road that needs attention, plus the elevation of critical crossings such as at Bundock and Einasleigh,” he said.
“Not only would sealing the Kennedy Developmental Road be a lifesaver during wet seasons but it will cut 1800km from the fruit and veggie freight route reducing transport costs which we hope would be passed onto shoppers.
“The priority works on critical access routes must be completed prior to the 2025-26 wet season.
While the unsealed section of the road is in the Etheridge Shire, Kate Peddle believes that her Flinders Shire constituents would be the big winners from the proposed completion of the Hann Highway.
“This long-awaited investment will ensure a reliable inland alternative to the Bruce Highway during times of crisis, strengthening our region’s resilience, improving freight efficiency, and supporting local industries and communities,” she said.
“This funding is the result of strong advocacy and collaboration. I sincerely thank the Prime Minister, Bob Katter, Robbie Katter, Queensland Premier
David Crisafulli, my friends and colleagues John Wharton and Barry Hughes, key stakeholders, and our neighbouring shires for championing the importance of this project.
“The Kennedy Developmental Road is a vital link for North and North West Queensland, and this upgrade will deliver lasting benefits for transport, emergency response, and economic development.
“This announcement also reinforces the value of partnerships and the power of working together across all levels of government and industry.
“By investing in critical infrastructure, we are building a stronger, more connected future for our region, and putting Queensland on the global stage as an economic powerhouse.”
Those thoughts were echoed by Barry Hughes, the mayor of Etheridge Shire and chair of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils.
“It is pleasing this funding has been allocated and the continued advocacy from regional leaders in north Queensland has got it over the line,” he said.
“Bob Katter was instrumental in raising this in parliament and managed to secure a commitment from the Prime Minister.
“Bob and everyone else in the region knows that for the want of sealing 11km of the Kennedy Developmental Road we are missing out on a safe and secure route for our communities and what could be a back-up resupply route for so much of North Queensland when the Bruce Highway is cut.
“The 11km of dirt road has long been regarded as a missing link and something that has needed fixing for a long time.
“I join with John Wharton, mayor of Richmond Shire and chair of the NWQ Regional Roads Group in applauding this announcement.
“John and myself have advocated tirelessly for improved road funding for our region.
“The completion of the missing link will go a long way to improving accessibility for our region, together with solving a long-standing impediment to transport and freight.
“I would also like to extend my appreciation to Nick Trompf, Chair, Advance Cairns, who has lobbied hard for this.
“I also note the efforts of Flinders mayor Kate Peddle and the Hann Highway Action Group who supported our efforts in pushing for an alternative inland route. North Queensland has been significantly impacted by widespread flooding and despite these impacts, it is pleasing to see a positive funding announcement.
“It will certainly improve the resilience of North Queenslanders, who in the past have had to endure huge inconvenience, even risk to life and limb, during times of flooding.”