April 8, 2022
Emergency repairs are being undertaken now on South Burnett roads damaged in the recent floods, with higher-standard repairs to come after Federal funding is secured.
“More than 480 sites have been identified as requiring emergency works from the February event,” Deputy Mayor Cr Gavin Jones said.
He said these initial repairs fixed the roads to a workable standard prior to inspection.
A claim for Federal funds would then enable the repair to be completed at a high standard.
“Residents are asked to not rush to judgment when they see the initial temporary stage of repair,” Cr Jones said.
“Council crews completed all emergency works (after) the November event in early March and will complete all emergency works (after) the January event by early April.
“The network is being reinspected (after) the February event with all emergency works to be completed by late May 2022.”
Some of the roads undergoing emergency repairs now, also underwent emergency repairs after the previous events.
“I encourage the community to show patience while these crucial works are being undertaken, sometimes repeatedly,” Cr Jones said.
“Council staff are responding with great effort to the challenges posed by recent weather.”
Cr Jones’ Roads and Drainage Portfolio Report stated the patrol grading program had been severely affected due to the latest flood damage as work crews had been directed to emergency works.
“Undertaking the restoration inspections, prior to any patrol grading, is particularly important so that any eligible flood damage is not covered over without appropriate recording beforehand,” the report stated.
Cr Jones asked residents to understand the processes involved in claiming Federal funds to restore flood-damaged roads.
“I can assure residents the Council is doing everything possible as quickly as possible to make their roadways safe,” he said.
