Roads and infrastructure (rural)
Bundaberg Regional Council has emphasised its commitment to critical roads and infrastructure improvement as part of its strategic 2024-25 budget plan to get “back on track”.
This year’s budget prioritises essential services and critical projects, with a continued emphasis on upgrading the region’s transport network and making significant infrastructure improvements.
Roads and Infrastructure (rural) portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Trevor said the 2024-25 budget outlined a series of projects aimed at improving the road network, including upgrades to Duckpond Road in Moolboolaman.
He said the Duckpond Road flood upgrade project was initiated in response to parts of the Moolboolaman community becoming isolated for extended periods of time due to flooding.
“The Duckpond Road crossing of Gin Gin Creek is approximately 3.5 km north of Gin Gin-Mt Perry Road and is currently a low-level concrete floodway which is regularly inundated following rainfall within the Gin Gin Creek catchment,” Cr Trevor said.
“Historical records indicate that the crossing can be inundated for multiple weeks at a time, negatively impacting the livelihoods of those who are affected.
“Based on flood gauges within the Gin Gin Creek system, the Duckpond Road crossing of Gin Gin Creek is inundated for approximately 30 days per year on average.”
Cr Trevor said the project would significantly reduce the time of isolation for residents along Duckpond Road.
“Council has commenced construction of a new concrete floodway which will raise the road through the crossing of Gin Gin Creek, improving accessibility for the affected residents,” he said.
Work is expected to be completed by mid-November.
The Duckpond Road project is funded by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s Local Recovery and Resilience Grants program.
As part of the $37.2m Transport and Stormwater Budget, Cr Trevor said council was committed to improving vital infrastructure with a priority on community safety, which included the continuation of the Woodgate SEMP project.
“Currently, construction of a rock wall and sand nourishment works is underway near the Woodgate boat ramp after community pleas for action to replenish the shoreline, prevent future erosion and address root causes,” he said.
“During the new financial year this work will continue and, Council will advocate for additional funding, to extend the project beyond the current 700-metre stretch of beach.
“Investing in our roads and infrastructure like this is essential for ensuring safety, boosting our resilience, and improving the quality of life for our residents.”
Woodgate SEMP has been partly funded by the State Government’s North Queensland Natural Disaster Mitigation Program.
View the full Bundaberg Regional Council 2024-25 budget document online.
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