Binna Burra Road is to be reopened under traffic control, today (Monday, August 31) with final works expected to continue until October 2020, weather and site conditions permitting.
The reopening of public access marks an important recovery milestone for the community and local tourism after last year’s devastating bushfires.
Federal Member for Wright and Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz said the road had been closed since bushfires swept across the Scenic Rim and parts of the Gold Coast hinterland in September 2019.
“The bushfires caused severe damage to the road and the World Heritage-listed Binna Burra rainforest reserve, including the Binna Burra Lodge,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Lamington National Park was severely impacted, and it was an extremely difficult time for residents, businesses and the entire community.
“The impact of the bushfires and more recently the coronavirus pandemic have hit local businesses hard in the tourism and hospitality sectors. I know people have really missed visiting the region and I encourage them to return and support local business.
“Work crews and contractors worked long and hard to get this road open again and safe for visitors to use. I look forward to seeing the restored interest from visitors and locals, in experiencing and exploring this beautiful part of our region,” Mr Buchholz said.
Many local communities in the Scenic Rim and Hinterland have been hit by a triple whammy, with drought, bushfires and coronavirus.
State Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause welcomed the joint State-Commonwealth funding to help get the region back on its feet.
“I want to thank the Government for paying close attention to our part of the world after the fires.
“Without the support of Scott Buchholz and the Morrison Government, I am not sure how we would get our local economy going again.
“The Federal Government has partnered with the State, not only to restore Binna Burra Road, but to invest in the many trails across the national parks, that bring thousands of visitors each year,” Mr Krause said.
“The re-opening of Binna Burra Road is a significant milestone in our regions recovery from the bushfires and it is a greenlight to tourism in our region.”
The Australian and State Governments have been proud to jointly fund this estimated $35 million project through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Mr Buchholz said the rebuilding and upgrade of Binna Burra Road was a complex project and engineers had done a fantastic job on the design in challenging terrain.
“As anyone who has visited Binna Burra knows, it is steep and sloping terrain. The fires damaged much of this and caused further destabilisation of the slopes.
“This meant that before works could even begin on the road, there needed to be stabilisation of the cliffs to ensure the safety of work crews.
“Expert personnel abseiled down and used specialist geotechnical equipment,” Mr Buchholz said.
“To date, crews have completed a significant amount of work, repairing the road, stabilising the various slopes and cliffs, and installing new safety barriers.
“I look forward to an official opening ceremony later this year, to acknowledge all of those who have contributed to this significant betterment of the local communities, here in Beechmont and Binna Burra and Scenic Rim,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Access to one of Queensland’s ‘hidden gems’ is now restored. Welcome back to Binna Burra,” Mr Buchholz said.
For more information on the Binna Burra Road reconstruction go to https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/binna-burra-road-reconstruction-works
For more information on Binna Burra Lodge go to www.binnaburralodge.com.au
Ends.
Background:
• In addition to the Binna Burra Road reopening, the majority of rainforest trails in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park will again be available for walkers, with their restoration funded under a $1 million Tourism Recovery Fund initiative under the DRFA.
• Binna Burra had also been the beneficiary of other support to help with recovery including $1.775 million in joint Australian and Queensland Government DRFA funding. This funding is to help with clean-up operations, tree clearing, demolition works, a revision of the master plan and development of a Reconciliation Action Plan.
Media contacts:
Mr Buchholz – Scott O’Connell – 0413 424 384
