7 August 2023
Works on the Condamine River Road at Cambanoora Gorge in Killarney are progressing according to plan, and Council looks forward to reopening access to this much-loved public road in the not too distant future.
With the road sustaining significant damage from frequent wet weather events, repair works required a complex engineering approach to provide a long-term sustainable and responsible solution to ensure the safe passage of vehicles, including essential emergency services.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said that after years of engagement with the local community and interested stakeholders, he is comfortable that the construction phase has followed industry best-practice required by regulatory government agencies to respect processes, people, flora and fauna.
“I am confident that after years of engagement and discussion, the resolution Council adopted on 15 December 2021 and the subsequent project approvals from our state and federal stakeholders, have produced a long-term sustainable and responsible solution for the road,” Mayor Pennisi said.
Condamine River Road provides public access to the gorge as it traverses the Condamine River no less than 14 times. It is a crucial piece of infrastructure that provides the only public access in and out of the gorge. There are also complexities around the maintenance and repair of the public road, particularly in the face of many adverse weather events.
It is anticipated that the project will be completed within the overall approved budget of $1,984,173, with the current forecast at $1,885,405.
“The upgraded new bed level crossings have been designed to be environmentally responsible and resilient and to comply with waterway barrier works and the legislative requirements through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“The road traverses a sensitive natural environment, and Council’s external contractor has ensured compliance with legislative requirements while providing residents and visitors with a safe road to access the area.”
Prior to construction, Council honoured a stop-work request to further investigate Indigenous native land and indigenous cultural heritage concerns and works are now back on track.
Mayor Pennisi said that the region is currently experiencing dry weather and Council’s contractor is working consciously to avoid further delays.
“The longer it takes to complete the works, the greater the risk that the road could be impacted by future wet weather and sustain increased damage,” he said.
“The installation of permanent bed level crossings that allow for the safe passage of native animals at Long Crossing, Mill Crossing and Second Crossing, as well as culvert works at Blackfellow Crossing, together with depth monitoring and electronic signage for road closures, will significantly improve safe access on the road for both residents and visitors.”
Mayor Pennisi reminds all road users that the public road is bordered by pristine natural environments as well as providing access to local private properties.
“When the road reopens, I would like to remind the public that the gorge and its surrounding localities are areas of outstanding natural beauty with several private properties bordering the river and the road,” he said.
“This is an area where we ask visitors to stay on the public road and to do so at a slower pace so that you can enjoy the beauty of the natural environment.
“Southern Downs has plenty of suitable recreational spots for those who enjoy challenging four-wheel drive experiences in settings which welcome their skills in the sport. But the fact remains that the public road which traverses the gorge, the river and surrounding roads is not a park for four-wheel drive enthusiasts.
“If you do stop at a crossing to enjoy the river or take photos, please make sure that you leave nothing but footprints behind.
“Condamine River Road is a precious environmental jewel for our region and we want to preserve it so that Southern Downs remains a great place to live, work, play and stay.”
For an updated Q&A Fact Sheet about recently completed works as well as additional information regarding the Condamine River Road Crossings project, please visit https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/roads-infrastructure/current-and-future-road-works.
Click this link https://youtu.be/nmtMYUD2tnM to watch a short video about the project, along with a quick Question and Answer session between the Mayor and the Director Infrastructure Services Gary Murphy.
Last edited date 07 Aug 2023