RICHMOND, QUEENSLAND — A notoriously flood-prone causeway in North-West Queensland is set to be replaced by a high-clearance, reinforced bridge, marking a massive win for local cattle producers, transport operators, and remote residents.
The Cambridge Crossing causeway, a vital but vulnerable bottleneck on the Richmond-Croydon Road, will be permanently upgraded to withstand severe weather. The project is being delivered under the 2025-26 Betterment Program, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Overcoming Chronic Isolation
For years, the Cambridge Crossing has been a major pain point for the Richmond Shire. Recent major floods during the 2025-26 disaster season completely submerged the causeway, severing the Richmond-Croydon Road.
With few alternative routes available, these closures routinely halt local freight, block emergency services, stall tourist movement, and complicate essential resupply efforts. By building a raised, reinforced bridge, the project aims to keep this critical northern transport artery open, ensuring the region is no longer left at the mercy of the annual wet season.
Key Impact Areas:
- Economic Security: Protects primary producers and the heavy transport sector from costly logistical delays.
- Community Connection: Reduces prolonged periods of isolation for remote properties and townships.
- Emergency Access: Ensures uninterrupted routes for disaster recovery, medical resupply, and emergency services.
A ‘Game-Changer’ for the Cattle Industry
The upgrade has been warmly welcomed locally, particularly by the region’s primary producers. Richmond Shire Council Mayor John Wharton emphasized that the bridge is an essential economic lifeline.
“Every wet season we see access through Cambridge Crossing cut for long periods, and that has a real impact on property owners and local businesses who rely on the route for their livelihoods,” Mayor Wharton said.
“Trucks need to be able to get through to move cattle, deliver fuel and supplies, and keep communities connected, so a stronger and more reliable bridge will make the route far more resilient into the future.”
Mayor Wharton noted that the funding is a genuine game-changer for the shire’s northern residents and a cattle industry that moves over 100,000 head of cattle down the Richmond-Croydon Road every single year.
Part of a Massive Disaster Resilience Push
The bridge replacement is funded through an $89.91 million Betterment Program allocation, greenlit following a barrage of severe weather events during the 2025-26 disaster season, including:
- The Queensland Monsoon Trough
- Cyclone Koji
- Cyclone Narelle
- Associated severe regional flooding
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain highlighted that investing in durable, long-term infrastructure is far more cost-effective than repeatedly repairing flood-damaged roads.
“Roads like Richmond-Croydon Road are essential lifelines for remote communities, which is why we want to minimise flood risk,” Minister McBain said. “Replacing Cambridge Crossing causeway with a bridge will ensure the people of Richmond Shire can face future monsoon seasons with increased confidence.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy reiterated the state’s commitment to shifting away from temporary fixes toward permanent resilience.
“Upgrading the Cambridge Crossing will improve flood resilience and help keep the Richmond-Croydon Road open during severe weather, reducing isolation in north-west Queensland,” Minister Leahy said. “The Crisafulli Government has doubled its investment in Betterment to help regional Queensland build back better.”
For more information on ongoing resilience and infrastructure projects across the state, visit the Queensland Reconstruction Authority at www.qra.qld.gov.au/betterment.