Joint media release with the Hon Mark Bailey MP
Recently completed repair works along an essential Western Downs freight route have made it better able to withstand severe weather and minimise supply chain disruptions.
The Moonie Highway between Dalby and St George, including the crossing over Stephens Creek, sustained significant damage from a series of unprecedented heavy rainfall and flooding events between November 2021 and May 2022.
The repair and rehabilitation work was jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the works were delivered as part of a program of improvements to essential public assets damaged during last year's flooding through the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments' $170 million Betterment Fund for 2021-22.
"With projects like these, both levels of governments are working together to mitigate the risk of disasters and build resilience right across the state," Minister Watt said.
"The project has improved the flood resilience of the Moonie Highway which is an essential freight route connecting the Western Downs to the Port of Brisbane.
"When we look at repairing roads and other essential infrastructure, we need to consider how we can make improvements that minimise the future impact of disasters."
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Queensland Government was focused on rebuilding disaster-damaged roads, particularly across hard-hit southern Queensland.
"Due to the widespread and severe nature of the damage, a significant program of reconstruction works will be required over the next 18 months," Mr Bailey said.
"Stephens Creek crossing is halfway between Dalby and St George on the Moonie Highway and was inundated by floodwaters for several weeks.
"Our crews undertook emergency repairs to keep this essential freight route open, and we have built the crossing back better with extraordinary assistance provided through the DRFA Betterment Fund.
"The works have reshaped Stephens Creek crossing to improve water run-off and prevent erosion damage from floodwaters."
Further projects are being considered to repair and improve crossings on the Moonie Highway.
For up-to-date traffic and road condition information, call 13 19 40, visit QLD traffic or download the QldTraffic app.
