Flinders Shire Council calls for completion of Kennedy Developmental Road sealing
Flinders Shire Council is calling for urgent funding to fully seal the remaining 11km of the Kennedy Developmental Road (Hughenden to Lynd), ensuring a reliable inland alternative to the Bruce Highway during times of crisis.
Recent severe flooding on the Bruce Highway has highlighted the vulnerability of Queensland’s supply chains, with stalled trucks and delayed deliveries causing significant disruptions.
The unsealed sections of the Kennedy Developmental Road remain a critical bottleneck, preventing a continuous inland highway connection from Cairns to Melbourne.
Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle emphasised the importance of completing the final 11km of sealing to strengthen regional connectivity and supply chain resilience.
“In times of need, we Queenslanders want to help out a mate, and in this instance, we can’t due to 11 kilometres of unsealed road,” Mayor Peddle said.
“If the Bruce Highway is cut, business is impacted, supply chains suffer, and inland communities lose the ability to support the coast. Right now, if they go down, we go down.”
The completion of the Kennedy Developmental Road would not only provide a vital alternative route during emergencies but also deliver long-term economic benefits for regional industries.
A fully-sealed road would ensure faster, more cost-effective transportation of agricultural produce and livestock to southern markets, easing pressure on the Bruce Highway.
“This situation highlights the absolute necessity to fund the remaining section of this road,” Mayor Peddle continued.
“We must seize this opportunity to push for the sealing of the highway and the completion of critical crossings, ensuring our regions remain connected and supported in challenging times.”
Given the recent funding allocation of $7.2 billion for Bruce Highway upgrades, Flinders Shire Council is urging all levels of government to also invest in strengthening alternative routes.
“Ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation to southern markets is essential for our economic vitality,” Mayor Peddle said.
“The completion of this project would not only provide a secure inland transport corridor but also drive growth and resilience for our regional communities.”
Flinders Shire Council is calling on State and Federal governments to prioritise the sealing of the Kennedy Developmental Road as a critical infrastructure project for Queensland’s future.