Procurement has commenced for the Tiaro Bypass, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of the Bruce Highway upgrade that will improve safety, flood resilience and traffic flow in Queensland’s Fraser Coast region.

The project is jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments in an 80:20 funding split.

The Tiaro Bypass will deliver an 8.5-kilometre, four-lane highway east of the township, helping separate local and through traffic and reduce congestion along one of the Bruce Highway’s busiest sections.

The project includes grade-separated interchanges north and south of Tiaro, which will improve safety, traffic efficiency and flood immunity along this section of the Bruce Highway.

The Queensland Government has commenced procurement for the main construction works following additional Commonwealth funding announced in the 2026-27 Federal Budget.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the Australian Government was committed to delivering safer and more reliable highways for regional Australia.

“The Australian Government is committed to delivering safer and more reliable highways for regional communities,” Minister King said.

“The Tiaro Bypass is an important project for the efficiency of the Bruce Highway and for the many people who use this critical route. Our additional funding, provided in the 2026-27 Budget, supports the project moving to construction.

“We are investing in critical infrastructure to improve safety, reduce congestion and support economic growth across regional Queensland.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said the start of procurement marked a major step forward for the project.

“The start of procurement for the Tiaro Bypass shows we are continuing to improve safety and reliability along the Bruce Highway,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“By investing in the Tiaro Bypass, we are supporting a growing population, improving safety for motorists and enhancing liveability for local communities.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, said the Bruce Highway remained a key priority for the Australian Government.

“We’ve seen the immense safety benefits the Gympie Bypass has delivered for regional Queenslanders; the Tiaro Bypass is another part of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to improving safety on the Bruce,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said.

“The Bruce Highway isn’t just a major commuter and tourist route; it’s also a crucial freight link between Queensland’s regional areas and our economically critical ports.

“This investment will provide locals, visitors and freight operators with a safer and more reliable journey.”

Member for Maryborough, John Barounis, said the bypass would address longstanding congestion issues through Tiaro.

“Anyone who has driven through Tiaro over the school holidays knows how long you can get stuck in traffic trying to get through town,” Mr Barounis said.

“It’s frustrating for people driving through town, and it’s dangerous for pedestrians in town.

“Now that additional funding has been secured for this project, we are moving forward with delivering the Tiaro Bypass.”

Construction timeframes will be confirmed once a contractor has been appointed.

For more information, visit the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads’ project page for the Bruce Highway Gympie-Maryborough Tiaro Bypass.