Council’s road network damage “worse than TC Debbie”

“We look after more than 1780 kilometres of Council maintained roads and initial reports from our roads crews are that the damage is probably worse than that caused by TC Debbie in 2017,” he said.

“Due to the extent of damage, Council has been activated for Disaster Recover Funding Arrangements (DRFA) from the State and Federal Government and will be lodging a submission to assist in the cost of repairing of region’s roads.

“There are specialist teams on the ground now assessing the damage to our Council funded roads as well as the Federal national highway network and the State major road network.

“It falls to local government to maintain the vast network of sealed and unsealed town streets and rural roads within the Whitsunday Region.

“My Council is committed to providing a road network that is safe and useable for our residents but the submission, assessment and approval process for external funding does take time.”

Mayor Willcox said Council was required to meet strict criteria regarding collection of evidence of the damage that has occurred before undertaking repair activities.

“I understand the length of time delays in getting approval can be frustrating and we appreciate our community’s understanding that we are working through the “red tape” as quick as we can.

“In the meantime, Council will undertake emergency temporary repairs where there has been significant damage and all works will be prioritised across the region,” he said.