2 June 2025
Southern Downs Regional Council has proposed a $18.9 million capital investment in road infrastructure as part of its 2025/26 Draft Budget, reinforcing its focus on maintaining and improving the region’s extensive road network.
Managing more than $500 million in transport infrastructure and over 2,900 kilometres of sealed and unsealed roads, funding will support flood recovery works, road maintenance and infrastructure upgrades across the region.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the investment is a significant increase from last year, and reflects Council’s prioritisation of its road infrastructure through responsible and targeted infrastructure spending.
“We’ve heard loud and clear that roads are a top priority for our community, and we’ve responded with a significant $18.9 million investment in this year’s draft budget,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“This includes $5.2 million for vital flood recovery works and $3.27 million for resealing, resheeting and drainage works, ensuring our roads are safer, stronger and built to last.
“Almost half of the capital works budget is targeted on our roads, as well as a significant operational budget commitment for maintenance works.
“We know this investment won’t fix everything at once, but we are committed to delivering as much as we can in a smart and sustainable way. This is part of a rolling program to improve our road network across the entire region, year on year.”
Flood recovery remains a key focus, with road repairs helping to restore access and support community recovery efforts after recent weather events.
To ease the financial burden on ratepayers, Council will continue to pursue funding opportunities through State and Federal Government programs, ensuring that essential works can proceed without impacting routine maintenance.
“We’re focused on long-term planning and smart investment to deliver the best possible outcomes for our community now and into the future,” Mayor Hamilton added.
Road Rehab and Reseal Projects
• Guy Street Rehab
• Cheese Factory Road Trial Treatments
• Goomburra Road Rehab and Widening
• McIvors Road Rehab
• Clintonvale Road Rehab
• Charleys Gully Road Rehab
• Old Stanthorpe Road Rehab and Widening
• Phelans Road Rehab
• Willovale Road Rehab and Reseal
• Fairwill Drive Rehab
• Allora Drive and Forde Street Rehab
• Road Resealing: 16
• Road Asphalting: 4
Resheeting Projects: 11 Roads
Stormwater and Drainage Projects
• Top Swanfels Road Drainage and Pavement Rehab
• Emu Creek Road Scour Recovery Works
• Junabee Road Drainage
• Oak Avenue, Percy Street, Canning Street Stormwater Improvements
• Floodway Replacments: 3
• Roadside Drainage Replacements: 7
Footpath Projects
• Palmerin Street
• Folkestone Street (pending external funding approval)
• Rosehill Road
• The Summit School
Following two weeks of open community information sessions across the region, the 2025/26 Draft Budget is now open for public submissions. For more information and to make a submission, please visit: https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say/2025-26-budget. Submissions close 9:00am on Monday 9 June 2025.
A full list of current and future road works is available at https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/roads-infrastructure/current-and-future-road-works.
Last edited date 02 Jun 2025