Millions flow for Scenic Rim disaster restoration

A post-disaster damage assessment of the Scenic Rim road network is now complete as Council continues to prepare and lodge submissions with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) for funding to repair or replace damaged assets

Mayor Greg Christensen said submissions with a recommended value of approximately $6.4 million had been approved by the QRA to date under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, co-funded by the Federal and State governments.

"This includes funding for counter-disaster operations and the delivery of emergent works to restore critical connectivity to our communities," he said.

Restoration works which have already approved by the QRA include: two bridge replacements; three major bridge repairs; 31 landslips and scours affecting 18 roads in eastern areas of the region; and damage to numerous sealed and unsealed roads.

"Council's damage assessment of all 1316 sealed and unsealed local roads within the Scenic Rim has found that 592 sustained damage due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie. This represents 45% of all roads in Scenic Rim," Cr Christensen said.

"Approximately 400 kilometres of unsealed road has sustained damage which will require approximately 500,000 tonnes of gravel to repair. More than 30,000 square metres of sealed pavement will also require repair. Ten floodways will also require reconstruction.

"Council has inspected 129 local bridges and determined 50 had sustained flood damage. Two bridges have already been approved for replacement due to damage - Haack Bridge at Lamington and Steinhardt Bridge at Darlington.

"An additional three have been approved for major repairs - Washpool Bridge at Aratula, The Stan Martin Bridge at Oaky Creek and Geiger Bridge at Canungra."

Cr Christensen said at the conclusion of the post-disaster emergent works period, Council started work repairing damaged unsealed roads and bridge abutments on eligible restoration projects.

"However, many eligible projects will require extensive planning and design which will take some time to complete before restoration works can commence," he said.

"In the meantime, Council is committed to undertaking any temporary works required to support continued use of its road network, albeit at a standard that is lower than usually provided.

"It is expected the full program of works will take more than 18 months to complete and Council appreciates the patience and understanding of Scenic Rim road users.

"Council is prioritising the processing and delivery of repairs based on the ability to streamline approval timeframes and achieve efficient project management of delivery. Substantive elements of council's restoration program will involve the engagement of specialised contractors to deliver these works, supporting and supplementing Council's own workforce.

"While flood recovery works will be a significant activity for Council, it is also important that we remain focused on continued condition-based renewal of our other assets. We cannot afford to allow the maintenance and improvement of our overall asset base to fall behind while repairing damage.

"This includes prioritising the completion of existing capital projects delayed due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie and pushing ahead with our important 2017-18 program of improvements to community and civil infrastructure."