Funding to improve flood safety in Gladstone

The Palaszczuk Government has committed more than $190,000 for Gladstone Regional Council to upgrade a causeway on Bells Road at Rodds Bay to help increase the region’s resilience to flooding.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the funding would enable the installation of large pipes under the road to increase the drainage capacity of the causeway, and provide the community of Rodds Bay with reliable access during and after storm and flooding events.

“Bells Road provides essential access to Turkey Beach Road and the Bruce Highway for the community of Rodds Bay,” Mr Butcher said.

“It is a school bus route and is also relied on by emergency service vehicles in the event of a disaster. 

“The causeway under Bells Road is regularly affected by floods and stormwater, and due to the low drainage capacity of the current pipes, floodwaters have repeatedly damaged the road’s pavement.

“After each major rain event, works to repair the road cost council and the community time and money.

“Council’s project for the Bells Road causeway – which features larger pipes, concrete batter protection and pavement resurfacing – will ensure access is maintained during and after major rain events,” he said.

“Improving the resilience of the road to withstand flooding will also free Gladstone Regional Council from the burden of constant repairs.”

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said building resilience is a shared responsibility between governments, communities, businesses and individuals.

“In a disaster-prone state such as Queensland, it makes sense to make public infrastructure such as roads and causeways better able to withstand the effects of floods and cyclones,” Mr Dick said.

“Gladstone Regional Council has identified a more resilient causeway on Bells Road as a priority project that will increase community safety, and our government is proud to support the works.

“This project is another demonstration of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to delivering more resilient infrastructure that supports safe and connected communities.

“We will continue to help Queenslanders prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster as part of the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience, as we work towards making Queensland the most disaster-resilient state in Australia.”

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561