Councillor Column Councillor Andrew Carr

Hello Hinchinbrook,  

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The DRFA (Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements) is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments. Through these programs, funding is provided to alleviate the costs of relief and recovery activities undertaken in disaster-affected communities.

DRFA programs generally have a duration of two (2) years, allowing organisations to properly assess any damage that may have occurred, make submissions, coordinate and manage restoration and repair works, and finalise claims through the project acquittal process.

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Only disaster events that are activated in accordance with the guidelines are eligible for funding.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) is the governing body for the DRFA program.

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Council is responsible for its infrastructure assets; however, it may seek reimbursement of expenditure for the restoration of damaged infrastructure assets through the DRFA programs, subject to eligibility assessments undertaken by QRA under the guidelines set out by the Federal Government.

Residents may have already noticed some repair work being carried out, such as the clearing of debris, pothole patching, cleaning of table drains and minor grading along some roads. These activities were undertaken as emergency works, as a priority of this program is to restore the road network to a safe and usable standard.

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Subsequent restoration works for essential public assets require submissions to be made to the QRA for approval of DRFA funding. Once a submission has been assessed and approved, the procurement process for the restoration works can begin.

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As such, tenders were released and awarded. One of these is the Reconstruction Works under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Program – Sealed Road Packages.

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The works involve the repair and reconstruction of multiple sealed road assets across the Hinchinbrook Shire Council area that were damaged as a result of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the North and Far North Tropical Low weather events occurring between 29th January and 28th February 2025.

The works are geographically dispersed and include a range of treatment types, including pavement reconstruction, bitumen spray sealing, patch repairs, pothole repairs and associated ancillary works necessary to restore the assets to an appropriate service level.

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Once again, it is great to be able to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and read through what has been happening and what will happen throughout our Shire. Thank you once again for the opportunity.

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