Flood recovery on fast track

The Newman Government’s efforts to fast track the recovery from ex-cyclone Oswald has delivered 94 per cent of damaged roads to market one year on from the natural disaster.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said better planning with industry meant $845.1 million of recovery and reconstruction works were delivered or out to tender.

“Through better planning we’ve fixed the situation we had with previous disasters where it was taking several years to repair our roads and transport infrastructure,” Mr Emerson said.

“No time was wasted getting emergency repairs underway after floodwaters receded one year ago, and we’ve worked with industry to ensure that momentum has continued.

“The results are evident, with key projects already completed or underway enabling businesses, tourism, agriculture and the resource industries to reconnect and rebuild.”

Of the $845.1 million of recovery and reconstruction works delivered or out to tender:

• $207.1 million of works are complete
• $313.1 million in works are currently in delivery
• $324.9 million in works are out to tender and nearing award.

Key recent projects completed since the disasters include:

• Double Creek bridge works on the Dawson Highway between Gladstone and Biloela
• Landslip at Tugun on the Pacific Motorway
• Pavement and slope repairs on the Tamborine Mountain Road.

“We are on target to meet our goal of having all works arising from the natural disasters in early 2013 completed by the end of this year,” Mr Emerson said.

Almost $900 million in total transport recovery and reconstruction works was allocated following the January and February 2013 disasters under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements – a joint federal and state initiative.

Under these arrangements, the Australian Government provides up to 75 per cent of the funding, with 25 per cent from the Queensland Government.

[ENDS] 29 January 2014

Media contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637