Works to repair nine floodways along the Gladstone-Monto Road, a key freight transport link for the Boyne Valley community, have been completed.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the $14 million flood restoration project demonstrates that the Australian Government is committed to delivering the critical infrastructure needed to help communities get back on their feet.
"Natural disasters have repeatedly impacted the local community over the past three years, and the completion of this project is a positive and welcome achievement," Minister Littleproud said.
"Gladstone-Monto Road is an important connector for local communities and industry alike, given its role as a key freight transport link and heavy vehicle route servicing the resource and agriculture sectors.
"This project has delivered safe and reliable road access that will also support ongoing economic growth and expansion across Central Queensland.
"In addition to repairing flood damage along this route, the project will provide support Queensland's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project had provided an immediate economic boost through securing jobs at a critical time.
"Importantly, this project safeguarded regional jobs as it was delivered by a Queensland company, providing much-needed support to local families and businesses," Minister Bailey said.
"Works included replacing concrete floodways, installing rock batter protection and correcting the floodway approaches."
Minister Bailey said as well as repairing the flood damage, complementary funding of $4 million had been secured to make the infrastructure more resilient to future disasters.
"To provide value for money for the community and minimise disruptions, the reconstruction works were packaged together with additional activities to upgrade the road and improve its flood resilience," he said.
"The additional works were funded under the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program and included building foamed bitumen pavement on the floodway approaches and widening all nine floodways.
"Some of the floodways were also lengthened, with additional rock protection installed at several locations and protective treatments installed on selected approaches.
"These improvements will increase flows and enable water to clear the floodways more quickly during floods, enhancing the route's resilience."
Eligible reconstruction works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
Further information on floodway upgrades in Central Queensland information is available on the Transport and Main Roads website at https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects
