A year after the damage and destruction of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie construction of two bridges and the restoration of road networks across the electorate have been given the green light following more than $11 million in funding from the Commonwealth, State Governments and Local Governments.
Restoration works will be carried out on Bakers Road and Birds Road in the Gold Coast Hinterland and Jerome Bridge and Bennett Crossing Bridge in the Scenic Rim as well as stabilisation and floodway protection works on a number of local roads.
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz said the restoration of local bridges and roads was excellent news for the communities affected by damage as a result of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
“After listening to the concerns of the public, I’m pleased my continued advocacy for funding to repair these local bridges and roads has delivered this result. It’s very welcome news for our local communities and everyone who uses our road networks and I thank them for their ongoing patience.”
“No one wants to experience detours or delays so it’s important these works can be completed so locals can get back to business as usual now and during future weather events.”
“I encourage locals and visitors from further afield to tour our beautiful region more safely and smoothly following these repairs.”
The funding is part of a $40 million Betterment Fund available under the joint Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) to help local government areas in Queensland with their recovery following Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
“The Betterment Fund will allow communities to rebuild these local bridges and roads to a more resilient standard and help the community withstand future disasters,” Mr Buchholz said.
“This funding will ensure our communities can get back on their feet and recover as quickly as possible.”
For more information on the 2017 Betterment program and other Category D funding associated with STC Debbie, visit http://qldreconstruction.org.au/ndrra/exceptional-circumstances-category-dfunding-following-stc-debbie.
