Better outcomes ahead for Cloncurry road resilience

Mount Isa-Duchess Road in Cloncurry Shire will receive a multimillion-dollar Betterment upgrade to strengthen the vital rural connector against future severe weather.

Around 25 kilometres of the north-west Queensland road will be sealed, with the improved all-weather access set to keep traffic moving in the region.

The road is a critical link for Cloncurry’s agriculture and mining industries, however, its current unsealed condition leaves it vulnerable to flood damage and washouts during the wet season.

Sealing a major section of Mount Isa-Duchess Road will reduce disruptions due to closures and road works for freight operators, farmers and businesses in the region, boosting the region's economy and industry confidence.

This Betterment project is being delivered under the $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program (QRRRP), a five-year commitment from the Queensland Government to grow disaster resilience in the state.

The QRRRP is funded through efficiencies realised under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Betterment is one of three funding streams that form the QRRRP, in addition to Resilience and Risk Reduction and Hazard and Risk Priorities.

Since its introduction in 2013, Betterment has become a pillar of the Queensland Government, ensuring more disaster damaged infrastructure is built back to a stronger standard in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Investments through the QRRRP will help transform rural and regional Queensland over the years ahead, protecting critical community assets, improving public safety, and improving liveability in all corners of the state.

To see a full list of projects approved through Round 1 of the QRRRP, visit the QRRRP page on the QRA website.