12 November 2020
Heavy rainfall across the region in February 2020 offered much needed respite for our dry gardens and tanks, however approximately 800kms of our unsealed road network were damaged in the deluge.
With the safety of road users an immediate and ongoing priority, Southern Downs Regional Council initially undertook emergency works to restore safe access across the road network before applying for recovery funding for long term reconstruction works.
After a comprehensive assessment process, Council has received approvals for approximately $6m to date from the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to restore the region’s roads, with submissions for additional funds under review by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi assured the community that Council staff and external engineers were working systematically across the region to complete the work.
“The rain event in February was significant and widespread with some areas across the region experiencing their highest single day rainfall in over 20 years,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“While this volume of rain was welcomed relief for our gardens and tanks, it caused tremendous but surmountable damage to our unsealed road networks. Council acted quickly to address the areas that needed immediate attention, and the long term recovery has been ongoing since.
“We would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as recovery works continue across the region.”
Restoration works which started in August in the Greymare area have already been completed.
Further approvals are expected to be received progressively over the coming months, with works to be rolled out across the region and completed by the end of 2022.
Council will continue to keep the community informed of upcoming road work schedules through regular notifications on its Facebook page and website at www.sdrc.qld.gov.au.