IAQ welcomed members and industry stakeholders to Cairns for our Infrastructure Insights Luncheon: Regional Transport, bringing together government and industry to discuss what’s next for transport, freight and supply chains across North and Far North Queensland.
The event featured a keynote address from the Hon. Brent Mickelberg MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, who outlined the scale of investment being delivered north of Gympie, including the Bruce Highway program as well as the importance of maintaining safe, reliable freight corridors to support regional communities and industry.
From the 80/20 funded program by Commonwealth and Queensland Governments equalling $9 billion to invest in the Bruce Highway north of Gympie to the Barron River Bridge upgrade working to improve connectivity, Minister Mickelberg told the room increased capacity of networks will support tourism and freight operators to deliver for the 2032 Games and beyond for regional communities.
Getting the timing right for wet seasons and backing local councils with funding for local delivery of projects is just part of the North- and Far North Queensland picture to improve connectivity, freight network access and increased investment.
The event’s panel discussion, featuring Minister Mickelberg, Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden and Director & National Infrastructure Lead, WT (Australia) Samuel Mendoza, explored the opportunities and challenges shaping regional transport delivery. Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen connectivity to support tourism and ensure regional producers can access markets efficiently, alongside consideration of rail and coastal shipping as part of the broader freight task.
The importance of collaboration and readiness emerged as a strong theme with panellists raising the need for smarter procurement approaches, earlier industry involvement and stronger coordination between state and local government to bring projects to market faster and respond to growing demand.
The conversation also reinforced the role of infrastructure in supporting both economic outcomes and liveability across regional Queensland, particularly as the state looks ahead to the 2032 Games and beyond.
IAQ thanks our speakers, attendees and event sponsors WT and GHD for supporting this important regional discussion.
