The Far North Queensland Shire of Douglas will benefit from more than $10 million to repair, rebuild and reinforce infrastructure damaged by the devastating monsoon trough of early last year.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the projects were part of the 2019 Betterment program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
"We know that we will be visited by extreme weather more frequently in the future, so it is important that we invest in the resilience of our communities," Minister Littleproud said.
"The Douglas Shire Council has been successful in securing $10.3 million in betterment funding for improvement works on the Bloomfield Track and Zig Zag Road.
"Strengthening community resilience requires ongoing infrastructure investment, which is why we keep prioritising spending on roads, floodways and drainage.
"Today's announcement is a boost for the residents of Douglas Shire, as well as the visitors to the region, and will help local businesses get back on their feet."
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said that program is protecting communities and creating more jobs in regional Queensland.
"Unfortunately, Queensland often bears the brunt of natural disasters, it's been a horror year and we need to prepare for the worst ahead of tropical cyclone and bushfire season," Deputy Premier Miles said.
"By investing over $10 million to improve roads in Far North Queensland we'll be making those communities more disaster-resilient and help to drive the region's economic recovery.
"Most importantly of all, this funding will create jobs for communities that are hurting because of the global pandemic."
The three projects which improvement works will be delivered across are:
- Donovan Range - $3.9 million - sections of Donovan Range are in excess of 25% grade and pose continual maintenance and disaster related issues. Council will undertake minor earthworks, stormwater drainage and rigid pavement construction upgrades - similar to work done on the Cowrie Range in 2018. The design has been completed and contractors are expected on site in April 2021.
- Zig Zag Road - $3.297 million - Sections of Zig Zag Road are in excess of 20% grade and pose continual maintenance and disaster related issues. Council will undertake minor earthworks, crossroad stormwater drainage, table drainage design and rigid pavement design. The design is expected to be completed by January 2021, with contractors on site by May 2021.
- Bloomfield Track - $3.495 million - improvement to problematic sections of the Track, an upgrade to Panikin Creek culvert and pavement upgrades adjacent to Woobadda Creek and Pierce's Hill. The design is expected to be completed by January 2021, with contractors on site by May 2021.
Roads will remain open throughout construction, however there will be times when one lane is closed and traffic control will be in place.
Project updates are available here.
