ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE
ADVANCE CAIRNS PRIORITIES 2021/22
KENNEDY DEVELOPMENT ROAD COUNCIL: FLINDERS, ETHERIDGE STATE ELECTORATE: TRAEGER FEDERAL ELECTORATE: KENNEDY
THE ISSUE The Kennedy Development Road (Hann Highway) is a key strategic link from northern Australia to the southern freight hubs of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. However, for many years sections of the road remained unsealed causing safety issues for the locals, tourists and transport companies that regulalry use the road. To address these concerns, in 2017 under the $600 million Northern Australia Roads Program, the Federal and State Governments provided $53.3 million to complete 42km sealing of the Kennedy Development Road, between The Lynd and Hughenden and a 3.4km section of road widening and sealing between Mt Garnet and The Lynd. A further $50 million was secured in 2018 to
22
ADVANCE CAIRNS FEDERAL BUDGET SUBMISSION
complete the remaining 48km of the Kennedy Development Road, ensuring the road was fully sealed from Hughenden to The Lynd. However, when funding is fully expended by June 2022, there will be a remaining 11km of the Highway yet to be sealed. Over the course of constructing the Kennedy Development Road upgrade, it has been estimated 130 jobs were created including indigenous employment. Completing the final 11km section of this road will provide a fully sealed, all weather road between Cairns and Melbourne, and reduce the distance by some 800km in comparison with coastal routes, saving more 8-10 hours in travel time.
BRIEFING NOTE SUMMARY • The Kennedy Development Road is a key strategic link from Northern Australia to the Southern freight hubs of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. • Under the Northern Australia Roads Program, the Federal and State Governments have committed $103.3 million to upgrade and seal the Kennedy Development Road. By June 2022, this funding will be expended and approximately 100km of road sealed. • To realise the benefits of a fully sealed road between Cairns and Melbourne, it is critical that funding be provided to complete the remaining 11kms of the Kennedy Development Road and complete a heavy vehicle safety upgrade at White Cliffs.
