What’s happening?
Betterment works are set to improve safety and resilience on Mackay-Eungella Road, west of Mackay.
The project will repair a flood damaged section of the road after heavy rain from ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.
The road links the rural townships of Gargett, Pinnacle and Finch Hatton with Eungella.
It also supports access to the wider Pioneer Valley, including Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge.
The works are jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Why it matters?
Mackay-Eungella Road is a key route for residents, businesses, agriculture operators and visitors.
In January, Cyclone Koji’s heavy monsoonal rain triggered landslips along the Eungella Range.
Those landslips led to road closures, which restricted community and industry movement.
Tourist access to Eungella National Park and Finch Hatton Gorge was also limited.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said Betterment works helped communities prepare for future disasters.
“By building back better we’re reducing the impacts of future disasters, lessening the likelihood of road closures, and saving money through a reduction in reconstruction costs,” Minister McBain said.
“Making this section of Mackay-Eungella Road more resilient is a wonderful and welcome outcome for Pioneer Valley communities.”
Local Impact
The upgrades will focus on road safety, drainage and slope stability along the damaged section.
Slope treatments will aim to reduce the likelihood of rockfalls.
Drainage works will also improve waterflow during intense rainfall.
That matters for communities that rely on the range road for essential services, jobs and regional movement.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said Cyclone Koji had disrupted access across the Pioneer Valley.
“Cyclone Koji caused significant damage to Eungella Range, disrupting access for residents, local businesses and tourists travelling through the Pioneer Valley,” Minister Leahy said.
“These Betterment upgrades will improve safety and resilience along this important route by reducing the risk of future damage from severe weather and improving drainage during heavy rainfall.”
By the numbers
- The works will target a 1.5-kilometre section of Mackay-Eungella Road damaged by flooding earlier this year.
- The project is part of an $89.91 million DRFA Betterment Program supporting disaster recovery across Queensland.
- The program supports recovery from the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and severe weather of 2025-26.
Zoom In
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Senator Nita Green said the project would help residents and visitors before the wet season.
“This project will build resilience leading into next wet season, which will be a great relief to locals too familiar with being cut off during heavy weather,” Senator Green said.
“Queenslanders are tough, but being isolated from essential services isn’t something they should have to face, and this investment will go a long way in ensuring that they won’t have to next time.”
Queensland Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the Eungella Range was a vital link for rural townships.
“These works are essential to improve the road’s reliability to keep communities throughout the Mirani electorate moving,” Mr Kelly said.
“Improvements to this road will boost our economy, support local small businesses and agriculture operators, and allow more tourists to explore the natural beauty our region is blessed with.”
Zoom Out
The Mackay-Eungella Road upgrade sits within a wider disaster recovery effort across Queensland.
Betterment works are designed to repair damaged infrastructure while reducing the risk of future damage.
For Mackay, the project means stronger access into one of the region’s key hinterland areas.
It also supports tourism, agriculture and daily travel across the Pioneer Valley.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the road was more than a transport route.
“This road is a vital lifeline connecting our Eungella community to essential services, jobs, and the broader region,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Strengthening and maintaining this corridor is critical to improving resilience, ensuring our communities remain connected during extreme weather events and supporting the long-term sustainability of one of our most valued hinterland areas and tourism assets.”
What To Look For Next?
The next stage is the delivery of slope and drainage works along the damaged road section.
Once complete, the upgrades should help make the route more reliable during heavy rainfall.
For Pioneer Valley communities, the project points to stronger access before future wet seasons.
