The first section of a $34 million upgrade of the Kennedy Developmental Road between Winton and Boulia has been completed.
The 2.5km section, delivered by Boulia Shire Council, has been widened to an 8m sealed road, with pavement and drainage improvements.
It is the first completed construction package under the current Outback Way program in Queensland, which includes rehabilitating and widening about 17.5km of priority sections between Winton and Boulia.
Drainage work is already underway on other sections, with pavement and seal widening expected to begin in March 2027, subject to weather and construction conditions.
Work will also begin this month to seal the final 11km of unsealed road between The Lynd and Hughenden.
The route provides an important inland freight connection and an alternative supply route when flooding affects the Bruce Highway.
The sealing project will include improvements to low-level culverts to reduce the frequency and duration of road closures during wet seasons.
The Kennedy Developmental Road forms part of the approximately 2720km Outback Way, which connects Winton, Alice Springs and Laverton, supporting freight, livestock transport, tourism and regional communities.
The $34 million Winton–Boulia project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($27.2 million) and Queensland Government ($6.8 million).
The Lynd–Hughenden sealing project is also jointly funded, with $70 million from the Australian Government and another $17.5 million through the Inland Connection and Western Queensland Betterment Program.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the improvements would strengthen regional transport connections.
“The Outback Way is a critical national connection, helping keep freight moving, communities connected and visitors travelling across regional and remote Australia,” Minister King said.
“The work to seal the missing link between The Lynd and Hughenden is a significant investment in regional connectivity and resilience. Once complete, it will provide a more reliable inland freight and transport route when the Bruce Highway is impacted by flooding.”
Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the remaining unsealed section was particularly vulnerable to wet weather.
“Regular road users know the final unsealed section between The Lynd and Hughenden is prone to flooding due to heavy rainfall, a high-water table and challenging ground conditions,” he said.
“Sealing the final 11 kilometres will help make this route more resilient during future wet seasons, with fewer and shorter closures.”
Winton Shire Mayor Cathy White said the completed works would benefit local communities and transport operators.
“These upgrades will be welcomed by all road users, particularly the heavy transport and cattle industries, as well as locals and visitors travelling through our region,” Ms White said.
“These improvements will make an important difference to safety and connectivity along this vital route.”
