The Coalition Government will spend $42.6 million on improving the Hann Highway (Kennedy Developmental Road) if re-elected on July 2.
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Under the plan, two sections of the Hann Hwy will be upgraded with widening, strengthening and sealing works, which will make the road less susceptible to flooding and wear and tear.
Between Mount Garnet and the Lynd, a 3km section of single lane sealed road will be widened and strengthened to two lanes, removing the last section of single lane road between The Lynd and Cairns.
Also, 36km of the remaining 100km of unsealed road between The Lynd and Hughenden will be progressively upgraded.
Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said the main benefit of finishing the highway would be to provide an inland route linking Cairns to Melbourne, saving 750km off the trip.
“The Hann is one of the most vital connections in Australia and it has been reduced to a bit of politician’s pre-election promises. As an election campaign announcement, we don’t have any guarantee that we’re going to get it now,” Mr Katter said.
State Member for Mount Isa Rob Katter will be following up with the State Government to secure its portion of the funding.
“It’s wonderful news for a national project that we’ve fought for,” he said.
Flinders Shire mayor and Hann Highway Action Group member Jane McNamara said she was confident the state government would come to the table.
“Completely sealing the Hann will take a lot of traffic off the Bruce Hwy, and will offer an alternative travel route during heavy rainfall periods during which the Bruce is prone to flooding,” Mrs McNamara said.
It’ll also be advantageous for the outback tourism industry as sightseers will be able to loop up north on the Bruce and come back down on the Hann.”
LNP candidate for Kennedy Jonathan Pavetto said upgrading the Hann Highway was an important component in the Coalition Government’s plan to develop Northern Australia.
“There is a clear and strong economic case for this development. We know it will benefit beef producers, the horticulture sector, tourism operators and transporters,” Mr Pavetto said.
“It will improve access to southern markets during flood seasons as well as open a continuous sealed inland route.”