Major repairs to begin on Gold Coast Hinterland roads

Works are getting underway to repair the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road and Lamington National Park Road following damage caused by Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie last year.

Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor and Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said eligible reconstruction works were being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Mr Taylor said the announcement was significant for the Gold Coast Hinterland community and emphasised the Commonwealth and Queensland governments’ commitment to working together on disaster recovery.

“While a detour route to Springbrook via Pine Creek Road has been in place, the closure of Gold Coast–Springbrook Road since April 2017 due to safety concerns has had a big impact on the local community,” Mr Taylor said.

“On Gold Coast–Springbrook Road there are 18 critical landslip sites and 35 minor sites, while on Lamington National Park Road work will be undertaken on more than 80 sites.

“Site mobilisation started in January 2018 with crews setting up site compounds and organising the delivery of materials and machinery.

“Crews will use various engineering treatments to stabilise battered embankments and re-instate damaged pavement and associated road infrastructure.”

Mr Taylor said environmental protections would be applied to all on-site works to protect the Gold Coast Hinterland’s environment.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey recently announced Georgiou Group would carry out the work on Gold Coast–Springbrook Road and McIlwain Civil Engineering would repair Lamington National Park Road.

Mr Bailey said today’s announcement was an important step, as work to restore full access for people living, working and visiting local towns and national parks in the area continued.

“These reconstruction projects follow temporary repairs carried out immediately after the cyclone,” Mr Bailey said.

“Significant work has already taken place across the region to repair damage following Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

“Repairs to John Muntz Causeway and Pine Creek Road were completed in mid-2017.

“Work at three critical landslip sites on Lamington National Park Road and the main landslip site on Tomewin Mountain Road will be completed later this month.

“Additionally, planning is in the final stages for all other natural disaster projects in the area with construction contracts to be awarded and work to commence on site soon.

“I thank the community for their patience as works are completed and ask motorists to drive to road conditions and also pay attention around work sites.”

Work is scheduled to be complete by December 2018, weather permitting. The Department of Transport and Main Roads is planning for a partial reopening of Gold Coast–Springbrook Road under traffic control by October 2018.

Members of the community can subscribe to project update emails and/or SMS updates by registering their details at southcoast@tmr.qld.gov.au

Information about road closures and detours can be found on the QLD Traffic website at www.QLDtraffic.qld.gov.au for the latest advice. 

Media contacts:

Sarah Bucknell 0448 111 669 (Minister Taylor)

Chris Vernon 0416 800 004 (Minister Bailey)