7 February 2025
Southern Downs Regional Council has secured another round of funding approvals for the region’s extensive flood recovery program, with additional major works to restore roads damaged during the January 2024 flood event expected to commence in May 2025.
A total of $9.7m has been secured through the Australian and Queensland governments’ jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to enable repairs to more than 300 individual roads across the region.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said this funding will help ensure the Southern Downs is more resilient after the devastating floods.
“We’re restoring roads across the region to help families stay connected and help businesses access roads they can rely on,” Minister McAllister said.
“We’re working with all levels of government to help the Southern Downs community not only recover but rebuild for the long term.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the funding was an important investment in the Southern Downs community.
“Keeping communities connected and safe is vital in the aftermath of severe weather events such as floods,” Ms Leahy said.
“Repairs to the road network in the Southern Downs will welcomed by all road users.”
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said Council’s focus is on delivering timely, efficient road repairs, and restoring vital road links that support connectivity and safety.
"I would like to thank the Australian and Queensland governments for this funding which is a crucial step in ensuring that our road network remains safe and accessible for everyone,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“We understand how vital these roads are to residents, businesses and visitors, and we are committed to restoring access as quickly and efficiently as possible."
Due to the extent of the damage, external contractors will be required to assist Council with repair works in order to meet funding deadlines and the procurement process is currently underway.
Council crews have already made progress, completing unsealed road repairs in the Greymare area in January 2025, despite weather interruptions. Works underway in Thanes Creek are expected to be completed by late February 2025, weather permitting.
“We thank the members of the community for their continued patience and cooperation as our crews work hard to complete the region’s extensive flood recovery and maintenance program, and rebuild a safer, more resilient road network for all road users,” she said.
Upcoming unsealed road works are scheduled as follows, noting that these dates are subject to weather and operational factors.
• North Branch – February to July
• Thanes Creek – February to March
• Leyburn – March to April
• Warwick – April to June
• Allora – April to September
• Maryvale – May to October
• Killarney – May to September
• Glengallan – June to September
• Emuvale – September to January 2025
• Connolly Dam – September to January 2025
To maximise efficiency, Council will integrate general unsealed road maintenance with flood recovery works where possible. Sealed road and minor structure repairs are also scheduled to begin in the coming months, led by Council crews.
While current funding will address many priority areas, some unfunded defects will remain on Council’s backlog list to be addressed as resources permit.
Last edited date 19 Feb 2025