Big wet leaves Sunshine Coast with $15 million road repair bill
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
It could take two years to repair road damage caused by severe weather in the Sunshine Coast region in the first half of 2022.
Heavy and extended rainfall events between February and May caused a series of major landslips. Sunshine Coast Council says at least a dozen roads will need significant repairs.
Areas worst affected by rain were Bald Knob, Glenview, Eudlo, Coolum, Peachester, Montville, Towen Mountain, and Wootha, west of Maleny.
Council estimated the cost of rebuilding the most damaged roads at $15 million and said the worst affected areas will get the highest priority.
Mayor, Mark Jamieson, said recovery and rectification works will continue for some time yet.
“Geotechnical assessments have identified 12 major landslip sites that require engineered solutions and funding support.
“The assistance will be provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“Council continues to work closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, all levels of government, along with emergency and community agencies, to support our community as the region navigates the long-term impacts of the flooding events.”
Division 5 Councillor, Winston Johnston, thanked the community for their patience.
“Some roads have been closed or reduced to single lane access, based on preliminary reports about road stability.
“While this is inconvenient, the road closures are necessary for the safety of residents and road users.
“The landslide at Hovard Road, Bald Knob has closed off the thoroughfare, and I’m eager to see repair works start soon to help minimise the impact on Bald Knob residents and surrounding communities.
“Landslip repair works include removing soil and vegetation debris, constructing mass block retaining walls, buried pile and beam walls, drainage works, road reconstruction and stabilising sloped hillsides.
“Design works have started for this job which will be a vastly complex construction project, estimated to cost $5 million and one that is unlikely to be completed until 2024.
“We are liaising with the affected local residents, and we are providing as much information as we can to keep the community informed throughout the construction works.”
