Severe wet weather, COVID-19 and limited supplies impact 2021 - 2022 Capital Works Program delivery

30 May 2022

Council has acknowledged the delivery status of projects across the region under its 2021 - 2022 Infrastructure Capital Works Program.

As of mid-April 2022, all planned capital projects have been impacted as a result of ongoing wet weather, the COVID-19 pandemic and industry supply delays, with impacts expected to be ongoing while Council works to undergo further emergency repairs as a result of the most recent period of severe and associated wet weather.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said that the recent wet weather and associated flooding is hindering the continued delivery of Council's Capital Works Program.

"Much like the rest of South East Queensland, the ongoing impacts of the severe weather and flooding is continuing to impact the on-site works progression of our Capital Works Program this year."

"Add the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our workforce and external contractors, and delays in securing specialised subcontractors and essential construction supplies, and we have a continuously disrupted schedule," he said.

"Not only have these matters, that are out of our hands, delayed on-the-ground delivery of a number of projects, in some cases it has also prompted the reprioritisation of resources to undertake emergency works in an effort to provide an acceptable infrastructure network."

"Many specialist external contractors and sub-contractors have been experiencing back-log commitments due to these same issues. The number and severity of these weather events has exceeded the additional contingency time accounted for in the delivery of most projects."

"Landscaping materials, concrete, steel and electrical products have limited availability, and specialist machinery we need to carry out these projects to the desired standard are not readily available, and when they are, there's long wait times. We understand this is a state-wide issue."

Council crews are continuing to secure resources ahead of time to assist in the delivery of emergency repair works, while planning for the prioritisation of the delivery of the current Capital Works Program.

"Council officers also are continuing to undertake a growing list of assessments for provision to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority where the total number of damage points has exceeded 2,000 across our 1,756-kilometre road network as a result of the three disaster activations for this financial year."

For more information, visit Council's website and search for 'Roads and Infrastructure'.

ENDS