Central Queensland landslip repairs rev up

Road reconstruction to repair 17 landslips caused by Cyclone Debbie started this week near Gladstone and north of Rockhampton.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the work would concentrate on landslips on Gladstone–Monto Road at the Dawes Range, south of Many Peaks.

“The Palaszczuk Government has worked to repair Queensland’s state road network following the massive devastation caused by the cyclone to reconnect communities and provide a safe network for road users,” Mr Butcher said.

“Following a full assessment of the damage and scope of repairs, a contract has been awarded to Ark Construction Group to repair the region’s landslips over the next four months.”

Mr Butcher thanked the community and industry in the Boyne Valley for their patience.

“I will continue to advocate for this region to ensure infrastructure improves across the Gladstone region well after these repairs are completed,” he said.

“For local industries such as cattle and logging, the detour has meant additional travel times of up to six hours for every trip.

“Reconstruction works at the Dawes Range will employ similar methods to those successfully used on the Mount Morgan Range following Cyclone Marcia in 2015.

“The first action will be removal loose material from the landslip and construction of a new base using large rock.

“This rock will be placed in a staircase formation to form the foundation on which the section of Gladstone–Monto Road will be rebuilt.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said motorists on Mount Morgan Range would have seen this reconstruction method in similar mountainous terrain.

“Boyne Valley residents will benefit from the learnings of Cyclone Marcia repairs, with Gladstone–Monto Road expected to reopen within four months,” he said.

Twelve smaller slips will also be repaired on Marlborough–Sarina Road, between Marlborough and Clarke Creek.

Site works would be undertaken from Monday to Saturday between 6am and 6pm.

“Restoration of the Sarina Range is planned to continue through this year,” Mr Bailey said.

Eligible reconstruction works will be jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

“We are working hard to rebuild our road network and motorists may experience changed traffic conditions while the repairs on Gladstone–Monto Road and Marlborough–Sarina Road are delivered,” Mr Bailey said.

“Motorists are reminded when travelling through these roadworks to slow down, obey road signs, remain alert to the changed traffic conditions and drive safely.”

For up-to-date information on roadworks and road conditions, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact, Dominic Geiger, 0447355565