Debbie destruction defied as Sarina Range rebuild begins

Early works to repair major damage caused to Marlborough-Sarina Road as a result of Tropical Cyclone Debbie are days away from commencing.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for Justice Michael Keenan today announced that works to restore the major slip failures on the Marlborough-Sarina Road, which was closed after Cyclone Debbie, are expected to begin within the week.

Mr Keenan said assistance to restore the road is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

“The NDRRA is providing local councils and state agencies with much needed funding, in a timely manner, for the reconstruction of essential public assets after disaster events like Tropical Cyclone Debbie,” Mr Keenan said.

The Australian and Queensland Governments are committed to reconstructing Sarina Range after it sustained significant damage during the cyclone.

Restoring access to the range is a massive task, with the damage including two major slips and 10 minor slips along the range. Repairs will initially include soil nailing and meshing to stabilise the uphill slope, and to allow the downhill treatment to be built safely. Full restoration of the major slip is expected to be completed by the end of December 2018, weather permitting.

“We are determined to re-open the road, and we are working tirelessly to restore access for surrounding communities. We are getting on with the job, and I’m proud to announce we are now expecting works to repair this road to begin within the next few days,” Premier Palaszczuk said. 

“From the Burdekin to Beaudesert, the damage caused by Cyclone Debbie was unprecedented, but the damage to the Sarina range was perhaps the most severe of that 1,000 kilometre-long trail of destruction.”

Information on disaster assistance available for Tropical Cyclone Debbie can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/, and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at https://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/.

Media contacts: Michael Tetlow 0476 820 816 or Lauren Fitzpatrick 0438 077 656 (Minister Keenan) Geoff Breusch (0417 272 875)