May 2, 2024
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff says repairs to the region’s road network will continue to be a priority for Council.
However, the need to wait for Federal and State approval to ensure funding for repairs did not fall on the shoulders of ratepayers meant almost a third of these repairs could not occur immediately.
Mayor Duff said Council’s flood damage restoration work began in November 2021.
Since then the region has experienced a further five severe weather events which caused significant extra damage to the road network, as well as disruption to the community.
The latest was in January this year, caused by ex-tropical cyclone Kirrily.
“Council had to respond to emergency damage across our regional road network with temporary repairs to keep the network open,” Mayor Duff said.
“Council must undertake works in accordance with flood damage guidelines and more permanent restoration works will be undertaken when funding approvals have been secured.”
The Council is required to prepare submissions to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority so the repair works can be jointly funded by the Federal and State governments.
Where works are undertaken before approvals are received, the Council – and ratepayers – carry the financial risk.
“The Council road network consists of 1683 roads covering 2981km; 982 roads have sustained damage with an estimated 1043km of both sealed and unsealed roads requiring restoration or emergency repairs,” Mayor Duff said.
“The damage bill is in excess of $63 million, with over $40 million in restoration and emergency works being completed to date.”
Mayor Duff said she understood the frustration caused by damaged roads.
“I would like to thank the community for their patience in fixing the network, particularly with the ongoing wet weather impacts,” the Mayor said.
“I would also like to acknowledge the work of our local contractors and Council staff.
“Council will prioritise the improvement of our road network, and the completion of the flood damage program across the region will continue to be a key priority for the next 12 months.”
Residents with road issues have been encouraged to report them to the Council by phoning (07) 4189-9100, by email or by submitting a customer request online
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