Urgent Action: Damage to Critical Infrastructure

RE: Urgent Action Required – Damage to Critical Infrastructure at Ollera Creek

The Townsville, Hinchinbrook and Cairns Chambers of Commerce urge the Federal and State Governments to

work together and take immediate action to address the severe damage to critical infrastructure at Ollera Creek

on the Bruce Highway, which has been significantly damaged in the severe weather event this week. This

essential transport link, as well as the railway line, is the major artery and economic lifeline for North and Far

North Queensland.

Its ongoing vulnerability to flooding and structural failure has severe consequences for businesses, freight,

emergency services, and the wider community.

The current flooding event has once again severed connectivity, isolated key regions and causing widespread

economic and social disruption:

• Freight & Supply Chains: The Bruce Highway is the backbone of North Queensland’s economy, yet damage at Ollera Creek continually disrupts freight movements between the Cairns Distribution Centre, Townsville, and beyond leaving shops and businesses deprived of stock and services. This is resulting in significant loss of income.
• Healthcare Access: Patients from Far North Queensland and Ingham who require urgent medical treatment in Townsville Hospital are cut off, putting lives at risk.
• Workforce & Business Disruptions: Hundreds of workers cannot commute, businesses suffer financial losses, and local economies are severely impacted.
• Disaster Response & Recovery Efforts: The Bruce Highway is our only continuous road corridor, yet every flooding event delays emergency services and recovery operations, hampering North and Far North Queensland’s resilience.

The rebuilding and strengthening of the Ollera Creek crossing must be urgently prioritised as part of a broader

strategy to safeguard critical infrastructure and regional connectivity. A long-term, flood-resilient solution is

essential to ensure North and far North Queensland’s economy and communities are not left so vulnerable.

We call on the Government to fast-track funding and emergency construction response crew for this essential

project without delay. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and look forward to your

response.

Yours sincerely,

Heidi Turner - Townsville Chamber,  Mary Brown - Hinchinbrook Chamber, Trish O'Neill - Cairns Chamber