Flood Damage Repaired Twice Over
Emergency road repairs are being done twice over following recent flood events, said Deputy Mayor Gavin Jones in presenting the Roads and Drainage Portfolio Report to South Burnett Regional Council.
“More than 480 sites have been identified as requiring Emergency Works from the February Event. In some instances, these sites have been repaired twice already following the previous events,” said Cr Jones.
Cr Jones explained that initial repairs are fixed to a workable standard prior to inspection and a claim for Commonwealth funds that will enable the repair to be completed at a high standard. “Residents are asked to not rush to judgement when they see the initial temporary stage of repair. We can’t claim federal funds for a problem that can’t be inspected.”
“Council crews completed all Emergency Works under the November Event in early March and will complete all Emergency Works under the January Event by Early April. The network is being reinspected under the February Event with all Emergency Works to be completed by late May 2022.
“I encourage the community to show patience while these crucial works are being undertaken, sometimes repeatedly. Council staff are responding with great effort to the challenges posed by recent weather events,” said Cr Jones.
The Roads and Drainage Portfolio Report states:
“Due to flood damage on the road network, the patrol grading program has been severely impacted as crews are prioritised onto emergency works, and inspections for restoration works are carried out. 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.”
Cr Jones asked residents to understand the processes involved in claiming Commonwealth 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.”
