The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the voice of tourism in Queensland, has welcomed today’s historic announcement of an additional $7.2 billion in federal funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway. This significant investment will not only improve safety but also enhance regional dispersal, a vital element in ensuring sustained economic returns from tourism.

As Queensland’s greatest export, tourism relies on strong, safe, and reliable infrastructure. The Bruce Highway is a crucial artery, connecting visitors to regional communities and tourism experiences from Brisbane to Cairns. Improved road conditions will play a pivotal role in promoting self-drive tourism and facilitating regional dispersal, ensuring the benefits of Queensland’s thriving visitor economy are shared across the state.

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler, who was present at today’s press conference, emphasised the importance of placing visitor safety at the forefront of infrastructure planning.

“Ensuring the safety of all road users, including tourists, is our number one priority. This funding will directly improve the travel experience for visitors while supporting regional communities and tourism operators by improving access and connectivity across the state,” Ms. Wheeler said.

On behalf of its members, QTIC has long advocated for increased investment in tourism-enabling infrastructure. The Bruce Highway is vital not just for residents and freight but also for Queensland’s $30 billion tourism industry, which supports thousands of businesses and regional jobs. The planned upgrades will bolster Queensland’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination by improving road safety, increasing accessibility, and enhancing visitor confidence in exploring regional areas.

“Reliable infrastructure is essential to drive economic growth and prosperity for regional Queensland. As we strengthen the state’s tourism network, we are ensuring that communities, businesses, and operators in regional areas can thrive and attract more visitors,” added Ms. Wheeler.

QTIC looks forward to continued collaboration with government and industry stakeholders to ensure that tourism remains central to infrastructure planning, delivering long-term benefits for Queensland’s visitor economy.

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