Western Downs Regional Council is in the final stages of completing one of the largest flood recovery programs in Queensland utilising highly skilled local contractors to ensure the region's roads are safe and well maintained.
Approved by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) for $167 million, the substantial flood damage program targeted restoration to the extensive damage to region's critical transport infrastructure caused during multiple flooding events in 2021/2022.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said around 94% of the program was delivered by local suppliers and contractors within the Western Downs.
"Through a proactive and practical approach Council's Infrastructure Services team analysed and divided the program into localised works packages to maximise cost efficiencies, quality and delivery," Mayor Smith said.
"The program was divided into 43 unsealed road works packages, eight sealed road works packages, five drainage work packages and nine unsealed road gravel supply packages.
"This approach allowed Council to engage local contractors to deliver program packages simultaneously.
"As a result, Council delivered the full program of flood recovery works to restore the roads to their pre-existing condition while using local contractors and materials to ensure most of the funding stayed in our region."
The Western Downs is home to the largest road network in Queensland and second largest road network in Australia with around 7,500km of local Council roads.
Around 1.5 million tonnes of locally sourced gravel was laid during the program on around 2600km of roads, which equates to nearly 60 per cent of Council's unsealed gravel roads, restoring all weather access for local communities.
Works included resulting and repair of drainage structures, gravel re-sheeting and patching, grading, table drain maintenance, and pavement and bitumen sealed roads.
Western Downs Regional Council Infrastructure Services General Manager Graham Cook said the program's approach had been groundbreaking in its execution.
"The method of engagement with local contractors in the market and the use of local materials has meant Council has been able to deliver this program around $50 million under the recognised funding," Mr Cook said.
