$14.9M new infrastructure approvals to rebuild Far North and Western Queensland

To rebuild the roads damaged by the February monsoon and floods in Queensland, $14.9 million worth of new infrastructure projects have been approved.

The funding will be used primarily to rebuild roads to a higher standard in the latest round of recovery projects.

The package has been funded by joint federal and state governments.

The total number of funding includes more than 10.8 million in betterment funding for roads in the area.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said staying connected helps to ensure communities can access vital services in a crisis.

“In Cloncurry $9.4 million go to improving Sedan Dip Road, which was cut for weeks.

“Upgrades on the Richmond to Winton Road and Kennedy Development Road also have the go-ahead,” he said.

Queensland Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the remaining funds in the infrastructure package ($3.2M) will be to ensure Far North Queensland stays open for visitors.

“A gravel section of the Cape Tribulation-Bloomfield Road within Donovan’s Range will be concreted and fitted with improved drainage to provide greater accessibility for residents and visitors during the wet season,” Mr. Dick said.

The road passes through World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest and is a huge drawcard for tourism in the region.

“This Betterment funding will allow Douglas Shire Council to increase the longevity of the road, giving visitors the opportunity to bask in the beauty of the region all year round.”

Far North Queensland communities will also receive more than $79,000 for repair works on Oak Park Road in the Etheridge Shire.

Additionally, Carpentaria Shire Council will receive $734,500 as part of the Water and Sewerage package to repair numerous parts of the Normanton Sewerage Treatment Plant that were damaged during the Monsoon Trough.

Delivery of these projects will be rolled out until June 2021.