Work Begins on Region's Biggest Ever Construction Project

Work has commenced on five new concrete bridges and 2.5 kilometres of road as part of the single biggest construction project ever undertaken by Scenic Rim Regional Council.

Funded by Council's budget, the Federal Government's Bridge Renewal Program, the State Government's Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme and the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, the works at Witheren, Beechmont, Ferny Glen and Illinbah in the Scenic Rim's east will continue into early 2019, weather permitting.

The project includes a major road upgrade between Millie Court and Sharp Bridge as well as the replacement of Sharp Bridge, Botan Creek Bridge and Back Creek Bridge on Beechmont Road, Jerome Bridge on Upper Coomera Road and a new Bennett Bridge to replace Bennett Crossing on Illinbah Road.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the scope of the works reflected Council's commitment to investment in infrastructure that aligned with the shared community vision for the Scenic Rim's sustainability, prosperity and connectivity.

"We are committed to ensuring the best value to our ratepayers through our investment in infrastructure that provides the impetus for the ongoing growth and economic development of our region and stands the test of time," he said.

"This includes continuing to replace timber bridges with structures of steel, concrete and other materials that are free of load limits, which restrict the movement of heavy vehicles and agricultural machinery, and have considerably longer lifespans.

"Betterment funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments, under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, will also help to ensure Jerome Bridge and the new Bennett Bridge will be less prone to flooding and more resilient to damage during extreme weather events."

The Scenic Rim's natural environment has been factored in to all stages of the works.

Erosion and sediment control will be undertaken at all sites and will include water quality monitoring at creeks.

Tree clearing along Beechmont Road, to enable road works and the relocation of Energex poles, will be kept to a minimum and environmental consultants have implemented strategies to minimise the impact of works on native plants and animals.

"Council officers have been working with staff from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science with respect to the flying fox roost at Witheren, where works will be managed carefully to ensure no flying foxes are impacted," Cr Christensen said.

"Works at Back Creek Bridge will include removal of riparian weed species and rehabilitation of the creek banks with native plants under the supervision of Council’s environmental officers and following consultation with local community and environmental groups."