The Albanese and Crisafulli governments have delivered another major milestone in fixing the Bruce, with the upgraded Granite Creek Rest Area now open to motorists travelling between Gin Gin and Benaraby on Queensland’s lower central coast. 

The upgraded facility provides safer and more comfortable rest opportunities for both heavy vehicle drivers and light vehicle motorists while improving safety at a key section of the Bruce Highway, south of Gladstone.

The Albanese and Crisafulli governments are getting on with fixing the Bruce and delivering a safer Bruce Highway with better rest facilities. 

The completed project is another example of progress being delivered through the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, with construction completed ahead of schedule and more projects continuing to roll out between Gympie and Cairns. 

To date, 18 projects have been completed and 47 are underway – from tender to design and construction – as part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program funded on an 80:20 basis between the Albanese and Crisafulli governments. 

All projects are being delivered at high-risk locations between Gympie and Cairns, with a further 52 tenders expected to be released to market this financial year as the program continues to progress. 

For more information visit: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/brucehighway

Quotes attributable to Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain: 

“The completion of the Granite Creek Rest Area upgrade is another important milestone as we continue to deliver these critical safety upgrades along the Bruce Highway.

“All the way from Gympie to Cairns, our Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program is upgrading key locations and making the Bruce safer for everyone.  

“This upgraded facility at Granite Creek Hill will ensure safer journeys for heavy vehicle drivers and other motorists, while supporting the freight industry that is vital to Queensland’s economy.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Tim Mander:

“The project was another example of the Queensland Government getting on with the job of fixing the Bruce.

"The Bruce Highway is the spine of our state, connecting regional communities, supporting industry and carrying families, freight and tourists.

“We told Queenslanders we are committed to fixing the Bruce, and we’re getting on with job and delivering.

“Every intersection upgraded and every safety improvement delivered helps build a safer and more reliable Bruce Highway, helping Queenslanders get home safer and sooner.

"This project has been delivered ahead of schedule, showing our commitment to helping Queenslanders get home safer and sooner by delivering the practical upgrades the Bruce Highway has needed for far too long.

"Queenslanders have waited too long to see action on many of the safety issues identified on the Bruce Highway.

“We're changing that by getting on with the job and delivering practical upgrades where they're needed most.

"Whether you're a truck driver moving freight, a family heading on holidays or a local travelling to work, we're investing in the infrastructure needed to get Queenslanders home safer and sooner."

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

“By delivering this upgraded rest area between Gin Gin and Benaraby, the Albanese Government is taking practical steps to ensure everyone travelling through this part of central Queensland has an opportunity to safely rest during their journey.

“We’re seeing real progress on the ground on this section of the Bruce, with intersection and bridge upgrades delivered, while more packages of work are moving into construction and procurement. 

“The opening of the Granite Creek Rest Area is a win for road safety and further proof of our joint commitment with the Queensland Government to fix the Bruce Highway.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett:

“The upgraded facility will deliver lasting benefits for motorists travelling through the region.

"This section of the Bruce Highway is a critical route for local communities, visitors and freight operators, and these improvements will make a real difference to safety and comfort for road users.

"The new heavy vehicle facilities and safer road connections are exactly the type of practical upgrades regional Queensland has been crying out for.

"It's fantastic to see another important Bruce Highway project delivered for our region as we continue building a safer and more reliable highway for future generations."