Joint media release with The Hon Mark Bailey MP
More than 75 sites on Lamington National Park Road are being repaired after damage following record rainfalls over the past 12 months.
A substantial program of works is underway or scheduled to start before the end of the year, including reconstruction of a significant landslip that occurred in November 2021.
Assistance will be provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator the Hon Murray Watt said the steep terrain on Lamington National Park Road had a long history of being impacted by weather events.
"The region experienced its sixth major weather-related disaster in three years in February and March, with record rainfall resulting in landslips, embankment failures, road and bridge damage, and hazards across South East Queensland," Minister Watt said.
"There are many locations on Lamington National Park Road that need repairs and we are proud to partner with the Queensland Government to make that happen."
State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said TMR's Natural Disaster Program for Lamington National Park was one of the most extensive reconstruction programs the department had delivered.
"The record rainfall in this area, due to successive La Niña seasons, has caused massive damage," Minister Bailey said.
"Transport and Main Roads (TMR) crews responded quickly to clear unsafe material, stabilise the slope, and build a side track to provide access for the community and visitors to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat following the landslip last year, and now it is being rebuilt."
"While access was quickly restored with temporary repairs, further repairs will aim to prevent future damage."
"Slope stabilisation between 1482 and 1626 Lamington National Park Road is expected to be completed next month, with soil nails and mesh, including erosion control matting, installed.
"This part of the program started in June and is just about finished."
TMR's Natural Disaster Program for Lamington National Park Road also includes:
- Works between Sarabah Road and O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat currently underway, including installing shotcrete across the slope face, road rehabilitation and drainage works
- Reconstruction at the major slip site from November 2021, with soil nails, mesh installation, shotcrete and asphalting
- Slope stabilisation, mesh installation, debris fencing and drainage rehabilitation at the remaining sites
Minister Bailey said motorists should expect work sites along the road, with temporary traffic lights and minor delays, up to 30 minutes during night works.
"Nightly road closures and weekend work may be needed to minimise disruption in places where there is not enough space for vehicles to pass machinery," he said.
"Safety is our number one priority and we thank all motorists for their patience while work is underway.
"Our advice to motorists is to plan your travel, allow for delays, and obey signs for your safety and the safety of roadworkers."
For up-to-date traffic and road condition information, call 13 19 40, visit QLD Traffic or download the QldTraffic app.
