One of Australia’s most vital national economic freight routes needs urgent attention.
The Flinders Highway will become the most important green energy and critical mineral corridor, supporting the largest private and public infrastructure investment in the region with the delivery of CopperString.
Townsville Enterprise has been long term advocates for upgrading the Flinders Highway, which falls short of meeting current needs, causing unnecessary damage to vehicles and poses significant risks to the safety and lives of its users.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith called on State and Federal Governments to properly fund Flinders Highway upgrades to accommodate the anticipated surge in critical mining activities, CopperString and renewable energy projects.
“For our region to capitalise on the opportunities ahead, we need a strong infrastructure spine,” Ms. Brumme-Smith said.
“The Flinders Highway is a crucial economic freight route for Australia, yet it remains overlooked in both State and Federal infrastructure plans. With all sides of the government backing CopperString it is crucial that they also prioritize the necessary highway upgrades.”
“Given that the highway supports nearly $15 billion worth of mining and cattle output annually and will be essential for transporting wind turbines, solar panels, and transmission tower components for CopperString, as well as supporting the $30 million Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program—which is set to create over 2,500 jobs in the next five years - the current infrastructure is inadequate to meet these significant demands.”
Flinders Shire Council, Mayor Kate Peddle highlights critical issues affecting transportation in the region.
“The issue of imbalanced transportation between road and rail on the flinders is primarily a government problem that needs to be addressed when discussing the Flinders Highway. With the current developments like Copperstring along the Highway, there is a significant opportunity for both road and rail transport to thrive. However, the pricing structures set by government are currently forcing companies to choose road over rail,” Mayor Peddle said.
“To achieve a balance and promote a more sustainable transportation system, the government must take action to address these pricing disparities. This will help alleviate congestion on the road and help maintain the asset longer, quite simply if they don’t, they need to cough up the money to improve the road asset for the increased use they’ve created.”
“You start the problem then you need to be part of the solution, that is what a responsible government should do.”
