Upgrades to be carried out on a section of Mackay-Eungella Road in QLD

Betterment works will be carried out on a 1.5-kilometre section of the Mackay-Eungella Road in Queensland as the road was badly damaged by recent flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

This priority section links the rural townships of Gargett, Pinnacle and Finch Hatton as well as the tourist area of Eungella.

The upgrades will include slope treatments to reduce the likelihood of rockfalls and drainage enhancements to improve waterflow during heavy rainfall.

“By building back better we’re reducing the impacts of future disasters, lessening the likelihood of road closures, and saving money through a reduction in reconstruction costs.

“Making this section of Mackay-Eungella Road more resilient is a wonderful and welcome outcome for Pioneer Valley communities,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said.

“This project will build resilience leading into next wet season, which will be a great relief to locals too familiar with being cut off during heavy weather.

“Queenslanders are tough, but being isolated from essential services isn’t something they should have to face, and this investment will go a long way in ensuring that they won’t have to next time,” Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Senator Nita Green said.

“These works are essential to improve the road’s reliability to keep communities throughout the Mirani electorate moving.

“Improvements to this road will boost our economy, support local small businesses and agriculture operators, and allow more tourists to explore the natural beauty our region is blessed with,” QLD Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said.

These works are being delivered under the $89.91 million Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Betterment Program, which is jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments. The Betterment Program is supporting recovery from the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and Severe Weather of 2025-26.

Earlier this year, Cyclone Koji’s heavy monsoonal rain triggered landslips along Mackay-Eungella Road, which is Mackay’s main link to the picturesque Pioneer Valley.

The landslips resulted in road closures that restricted community and industry movement and limited tourist access to the popular Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge.

“Cyclone Koji caused significant damage to Eungella Range, disrupting access for residents, local businesses and tourists travelling through the Pioneer Valley.

“These Betterment upgrades will improve safety and resilience along this important route by reducing the risk of future damage from severe weather and improving drainage during heavy rainfall,” QLD Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said.

“This road is a vital lifeline connecting our Eungella community to essential services, jobs, and the broader region.

“Strengthening and maintaining this corridor is critical to improving resilience, ensuring our communities remain connected during extreme weather events and supporting the long-term sustainability of one of our most valued hinterland areas and tourism assets,” Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; The Hon Kristy McBain MP; The Mackay Minute