Council Continues Flood Damage Repairs

Council’s ongoing flood damage restoration project commenced in November 2021 and has since seen the region experience a series of severe weather events which has caused significant damage to the South Burnett’s road network and disruption to the community. The latest event was in January 2024 resulting from heavy rain to the region caused by the ex-tropical cyclone Kirrily system.

“Council had to respond again to emergency damage across our regional road network with temporary repairs to keep the network open. Council must undertake works in accordance with flood damage guidelines and more permanent restoration works will be undertaken when funding approvals have been secured,” said Mayor Duff.

Council is required to prepare submissions to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) for Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) so that the repair works can be approved and jointly funded by the Australian and State governments. Where works are undertaken prior to the approvals Council carries the financial risk until the approvals are received.

Mayor Duff said, “The Council road network consists of 1683 roads, totalling 2,981 kilometres. An estimated 982 roads have sustained damage with an estimated 1,043 kilometres of both sealed and unsealed roads requiring restoration or emergency repairs works.”

The damage bill is in excess of some $63M with over $40M in restoration and emergency works being completed to date.

“I would like to thank the community for their patience in fixing the network particularly with the ongoing wet weather impacts, 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,” said Mayor Duff.

For any road issues please contact Council and submit a customer request , submit a request online here or alternatively contact Council on 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.