Damaged Access to Private Properties

As the region continues to move through the recovery phase following the recent severe weather event, access to properties continues to be a focus for many residents.

Lockyer Valley Infrastructure Portfolio Councillor, Janice Holstein says while Council understands the inconvenience of damaged driveways, it is important the community correctly understands who is responsible for repairs.

“Council is receiving referrals and requests to fix damaged accesses within private properties, mostly from the road to the boundary with some residents being led to believe Council receives Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) funding for this purpose.

“Council has confirmed the Government’s position that QRA will only reimburse Council for restoration and emergent works to ‘Essential Public Assets’, which are principally roads, drainage and other transport assets such as footpaths.

“Council’s limit of responsibility when it comes to property access is one metre from the road edge into the driveway – after which point it is then the property owner’s responsibility.

“If the road is an unmaintained road, QRA does not deem it an “Essential Public Asset’ and it is therefore unable to be fixed from QRA funding.

“Council recognises the limitations and misunderstandings both cause frustration for residents who just want their access restored, and who feel Council should just fix it for them.

“Council crews continue to focus on restoring public access across more than 500 damaged sites on our road network and encourage affected residents to contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to discuss possible support options, especially if their access issues have medical implications.

“It will inevitably take time for the recovery phase of this event to be completed and I extend my sincere thanks to our community for sticking with us as we continue to fight for a wide range of support for our residents.

“We’ve been here before and we all know it takes time and cooperation to get on top of the many impacts a weather event like this brings to our region, and I’m confident we’ll bounce back like we have before,” Cr Holstein said.

For further information, contact Council on 1300 005 872.