Minute With The Mayor 28 October

REBUILDING OUR ROADS AND COMMUNITIES THANKS TO DRFA SUPPORT

It’s been a big year for recovery across our region. Hinchinbrook Shire Council crews and contractors have been working flat out to repair damage and get things back on track — with major support from the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

So far, more than $5.4 million has gone into emergency response efforts. That includes clearing debris, reopening roads, stabilising damaged infrastructure, and getting supplies to affected communities. These works helped restore access and safety quickly when it mattered most.

Now we’re deep into the long-haul phase by rebuilding over 215 kilometres of damaged roads across the Shire.

That’s hundreds of individual sites being repaired to reconnect residents, farmers, and businesses.

Council is providing assistance with priority roads that connects our agricultural industry, tourism routes and communities that carry higher traffic volumes. We have scheduled other areas that require gravel re-sheeting works where needed. The majority of DRFA works will be delivered by contractors.

It’s a huge job, and while rain and debris have caused some delays, most of the unsealed road work is expected to wrap up by mid-December 2025, weather-dependent.

We’re also tackling sealed roads and landslips. Roads like Mount Fox and Old Wharf are being repaired, and over 65 landslip sites on Mount Fox Road and Wallaman Falls Road are being planned for remediation. These projects are designed to improve safety and resilience before the wet season hits, but these are big projects and will take some time before all the landslips are repaired.

On top of that, the Community Relief Fund is helping local clubs bounce back. Groups have been provided support.

All up, the recovery program is estimated at $34 million — a massive investment in our region’s future. It’s a lot of work, a lot of money, and a lot of progress.

Nearly 200 tonnes of rubbish was picked up from cane farms and roadside reserves in September, thanks to the funding support for flood waste removal.

These works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and administered through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

I want to acknowledge the dedication of our crews on the ground and our contractors for their commitment. We’re not just recovering — we’re rebuilding stronger.