Lucas meets with community on North Queensland flood works

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said in Cairns today a tour of the Bruce Highway had highlighted the complexity and importance of proposed North and Far North Queensland flood works.

Mr Lucas has completed a two day familiarisation tour of flood problem areas on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Cairns, which included on site meetings with local mayors and Main Roads engineers.

“Having had a first hand look at 8 of the more challenging sites confirms what I’ve said all along, that is, the $348 million dollars the Federal Government has allocated for flood and related works is very welcome, but we all agree we will need an ongoing commitment in the years ahead.

“People down south think of a bridge spanning a creek as being just a few metres in length, but in the North a creek and its flood plain can stretch for kilometres – boosting flood immunity is a big job.

“More than anything this has been about assessing community expectations about the level of flood immunity and longer term options such as identifying corridors for bypasses.”

Tokalon Road to Lannercost Street at Ingham, the 15 kilometre section of road from Corduroy Creek to Tully, and the Mulgrave River Crossing were among the 8 sites on the Bruce Highway visited by the Minister.

“I’m looking forward to announcing with the Federal Government shortly the construction contract for Tully so work can begin in May. This important project will not only reduce the amount of time the highway is closed during severe flooding events it will also improve safety,” Mr Lucas said.

Local mayors and community representatives were briefed by Mr Lucas and Main Roads engineers on the progress of the potential flood immunity projects, and given the opportunity to have their say on the plans as well as longer term options.

“This has been an extremely valuable exercise and a unique opportunity to hear what the local community is thinking,” he said.

Media inquiries: Darren Robert 3237 1942