Construction underway to upgrade Proserpine-Shute Harbour Rd QLD

Works to upgrade a 1.4-kilometre section of the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road at Hamilton Plains in the Whitsunday region have commenced to improve flood immunity, safety and reliability of this corridor. 

The upgrade will improve flooding and drainage on the key arterial route the connects the Bruce Highway and Proserpine to Whitsunday towns including Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and the port of Shute Harbour. 

“This is about ensuring that the community and local businesses are safer and better connected. 

“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,” Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Julie Collins 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,” Senator for Queensland Corinne Mullholland said. 

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 as well as better drainage to improve safety in this flood-prone area. 

This vital link can be cut off for about two days when there is flooding, and it restricts residents from accessing the Proserpine Airport and the local hospital. 

Modelling shows that these improvements will help reduce disruptions from 17 hours to less than an hour during a once in 10-year flood event while also enhancing reliability and accessibility. 

The works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments. 

“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,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said. 

“By raising the road and improving flood resilience, we’re ensuring peace of mind and keeping our community connected. 

“The project means parents won’t have to worry about school buses turning around when the floodwaters rise, and families can feel confident they’ll still be able to reach the hospital or airport when they need to,” State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government