Flood Recovery Timeline and FAQ's
What level of emergency repairs can Council do and what is the timeframe to undertake them?
Emergency Repairs essentially cover the re-establishment of access across the region, ‘make-safe’ works, cleaning up of silt and debris, and minor repair works. Emergency Repairs are undertaken over a three month period following the event.
What is the process to get funding for more permanent repairs?
Comprehensive damage assessments are undertaken, from which a scope of works is formed including quantities, treatment methods, and designs. This information is submitted to the State Government (Queensland Reconstruction Authority) for assessment, upon which they will decide whether or not the works will be funded.
How long does it usually take for approvals to come through so Council can start those works?
It can take months for an approval to come through depending on the complexity of the submission, and whether the state government have any questions or issues regarding it. Works can technically commence at any time prior to submissions going in or being approved, however Council would have to self-fund the full cost of works if the associated submission didn’t end up getting approved.
Does the funding allow for Council to also attend to adjacent issues if they weren’t directly declared flood related?
No, funding only covers damage and repairs that are directly associated with the flood event.
Can Council ‘build back better’? If so, to what extent (e.g. high bridges, wider roads, new drains, etc.)
Under funding arrangements with Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), no we cannot.
Funding covers like-for-like replacements and repairs, and any upgrades would have to be Council-funded. ‘Betterment’ or Resilience funding may be announced by the state at a later date but these are separate, competitive funding programs and not guaranteed.
How long does Council estimate it will take to undertake all the road network repairs from this recent flood event?
In line with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s requirements, Council are required to have all works for the February 2022 event completed on site by 30 June 2024. The timeline for works related to the January 2024 event are yet to be determined.
What impact will this have on previously scheduled road upgrades and maintenance?
Council is still establishing this as we build a complete picture of the damage across the region. Key maintenance activities will continue (e.g. pothole patching, roadside slashing, fixing of any safety hazards). The Capital Program will continue in combination with flood works. However, the priority for the foreseeable future is flood recovery and associated works.
