Planning begins for QLD Moonie Highway improvements

The Crisafulli Government is getting on with planning to improve flood immunity and resilience on the Moonie Highway, south of Dalby. 

This project will deliver a regional road network that is efficient, reliable, productive, and safe for all road users. 

Planning will focus on real, practical measures that will help reduce the number and length of highway shutdowns during flood events, keeping communities connected and goods moving. 

“Labor left the Moonie Highway vulnerable for years, cutting off families and stalling freight when it mattered most. 

“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job, fixing the failures of the former Government with planning that delivers practical solutions to keep Queenslanders and goods moving. 

“Stronger flood resilience on the Moonie Highway should have been a priority long ago. This is about supporting the industries that power our economy and ensuring regional communities aren’t isolated when disaster strikes,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said. 

Investigations will be conducted to assess the option of raising the road surface between the Condamine Rover and Myall Creek crossings to align with Loudoun Bridge. Early planning works will also explore ways to strengthen the road between Broadwater Road and Duleen-Daandine Road – known locally as ‘Long Swamp’ – so it can withstand extreme weather. 

Moreover, specialist work will include detailed hydraulic modelling, innovative road surface design, environmental and cultural heritage assessments, and close consultation with local property owners as well as the Western Downs Regional Council to ensure the proposed upgrades meet the community’s needs. 

Community consultation will begin in early 2026 to help shape the planning process for the Moonie Highway improvements. 

“Investing in flood immunity is about protecting communities and ensuring they can bounce back quickly after disasters that threaten our region. 

“The Moonie Highway is a major interstate freight route, it enables high flood immunity for this particular crossing to ensure our region remains operational. 

“This is a practical, common-sense approach that ensures the Western Downs get the infrastructure it needs now and into the future,” Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Infrastructure Magazine