Mackay Port Access, Bruce Highway to Mackay - Slade Point Road (Stage 1)
The proposed Mackay Port Access will provide a direct link for freight movements from the Mackay Port to the Mackay Ring Road, and west to the Bowen Basin coal fields via the Walkerston Bypass and Peak Downs Highway.
The 9.5km, 2-lane access road from the Bruce Highway at Glenella to Mackay-Slade Point Road (Harbour Road), will improve access to the Port of Mackay while addressing urban congestion in North Mackay.
Benefits
- Improves safety
- Increases capacity
- Improves network efficiency
- Increases traffic flow
- Reduces peak hour congestion
- Better road access
- Reduces travel time
- Contributes to economy
- Contributes to regional growth
- Improves ride quality
Key features
The current planning process is investigating a proposed heavy vehicle access route identified in the Mackay Ring Road planning which was completed in 2013.
The proposed 9.5km alignment is a 2-lane arterial roadway, parallel to Erakala-Mackay Harbour rail line, extending from the Bruce Highway to Mackay-Slade Point Road (Harbour Road). The planning will consider:
- the Bruce Highway interchange at Bald Hill
- a T-intersection at Schapers Road and Valley Street and a connection at Mackay-Slade Point Road
- underpasses at Glenella–Richmond Road, Pioneer Street and Mackay–Bucasia Road
- bridges crossing Jane Creek and Goosepond Creek.
Funding
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, as published in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2024-25 to 2027-28.
Investment ID: 1170084
- Total investment
- $350 million
- Australian Government
- $280 million
- Queensland Government
- $70 million
Current status
The proposed project is in the planning phase. Activities include business case development, securing the corridor, public utility relocations, implementing environmental offset measures, and stakeholder engagement. The recommended delivery options and timeframes will be determined upon finalisation of the planning process in mid-2026.
Public consultation
Broad community and industry engagement was undertaken from 7 February 2025 to 7 March 2025 to inform stakeholders about our proposal to revoke a portion of the declared Bassett Basin Fish Habitat Area (FHA) and replace it with additional areas expanding the Bassett Basin FHA.
Consultation completed
See outcomes of fish habitat revocation consultation.
Mackay Port Access project map location
