More than 1500 sites require emergency works across Scenic Rim

More than 1500 sites across the Scenic Rim were identified as requiring emergency works as part of Council's damage assessment following the severe storms in February. 

Scenic Rim Regional Council is close to completing a rapid damage assessment of the local road and bridge network, local parks, and the region's agricultural areas, with emergency works ongoing to reinstate safe access on Council's infrastructure. 

Council crews have been carrying out visual inspections to an extensive 1,756-kilometre road network, more than 100 bridges, almost 1,000 culverts and multiple parks and community facilities across the region as part of the disaster recovery and emergency works phase. This comes after similar works were undertaken following the severe weather in November 2021 that in some instances has been re-damaged. 

Mayor Greg Christensen said since the rain event, Council crews have been inspecting the region's assets to document all damage and deterioration as a result of the rain and flooding, covering an area three times the size of the Gold Coast. 

"After periods of the heavy rain had passed, and as soon as it was safe, crews were carrying out priority works, like the construction of temporary side tracks around damaged bridges and filling potholes, and closing off unsafe sections of roads, parks and open spaces. 

"So far, the assessment has identified more than 1500 sites requiring emergency works with remaining inspections to be completed in early April and these emergency works are forecast to be completed by mid-May.  

"The priority works that have occurred are a short-term solution, however, we are now moving into a long-term plan for infrastructure restoration under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian governments. We anticipate the timeframe for the completion of these works to be around two years. 

"While these works will be a significant recovery activity for Council, it is also important that we remain focused on maintaining and improving other assets as detailed in the current Operational Plan. 

"This includes prioritising the completion of existing capital projects like the Flying Fox Bridge Renewal and the Kerry Road Upgrade and forging ahead with improvements to community and civil infrastructure planned for delivery in the upcoming financial year." 

Cr Christensen said these capital works projects are continuing to progress despite the recent wet weather delays and the COVID-19 pandemic isolation requirements. 

"Although Council's regular programmed delivery of works has been impacted in some instances by the current COVID-19 isolation requirements with employees either having to isolate due to testing positive to the virus or being deemed a close contact. 

"I ask for the patience and understanding of the community while we work to re-build our region." 

Anyone who has suffered significant impact should contact Council's Disaster Recovery team on (07) 5540 5111 or visit www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/flood-recovery for information on how to apply for available funding relief or support.