Mr O’DOWD (1:51 PM) —I draw the attention of the House to the shocking state of the Bruce Highway between Gin Gin and Rockhampton. This road is part of our national highway system and is the workplace of thousands of transport operators who risk their lives daily as they go about their business of delivering the freight that keeps the nation functioning. Successive state and federal governments have failed to invest in this vital transport hub for the past 25 years. Yesterday I received complaints from constituents that B-double trucks carrying nitroprill were having to move into the oncoming lane to avoid hitting potholes, some of which are up to one metre in diameter. The highway between Mount Larcom and Rockhampton is a national disgrace. In fact, the highway is in such bad shape that the only answer the Queensland government has is to lower the speed limit in parts to 80 kilometres per hour. This just serves to frustrate motorists and cause fatigue and driver error. The highway between Gympie and Townsville must be listed as a project of national importance and design work must commence immediately. Think of the employment it will create; think of the lives it will save; think of the benefit to the nation.