New flood-resilient bridge for Scrub Creek community
- Official opening of Scrub Creek Bridge reinforces Crisafulli Government's commitment to build communities back better and stronger after natural disasters.
- Scrub Creek Bridge reconstructed to more flood resistant standard, increasing structure's resilience during major flood events.
- Assistance provided through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The Crisafulli Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building communities back better and stronger with the official opening of the Scrub Creek Bridge.
Minister for Local Government and Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington joined Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt and Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann for the opening of the new bridge, which is now more resilient and more accessible during major flood events.
The Scrub Creek Bridge was raised by 0.8m above the original causeway as part of the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The project was supported by $5.1 million in DRFA funding, with a $1.6 million contribution from the Queensland Government.
Minister Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a fresh start to Queensland and committed to building back Queensland communities better and stronger than ever after natural disasters.
"Our regional communities are at the heart of this State and keeping them connected is a fundamental focus of flood resilience work for our government," Ms Leahy said.
"With every flood disaster in Queensland we see how quickly our communities can be affected by isolation."
"Building flood resilience into vital infrastructure like bridges and roads is a valuable investment in keeping communities safe, connected, and supplied in times of crisis. "
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the Nanango electorate had been hit hard by flooding and natural disasters and flood resilient infrastructure was vital to keep them connected in time of need.
"Time and time again we see and hear of communities facing isolation during major rain events," Ms Frecklington said.
"Reconstructing Scrub Creek Bridge to a more flood resilient standard will give communities in the Nanango electorate confidence they won't face the past impacts of isolation during future flood events."
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the former concrete causeway and culvert crossing was easily submerged with heavy rainfall, preventing access to the community.
"Before now, only 50mm of rain in the Brisbane River upper catchment would cause access issues for Scrub Creek residents," Cr Wendt said.
"During the 2022 floods this community was cut off for an extended period, and there was significant work required to re-establish access on this road."
