Minister for Local Government and Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy and Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, joined Somerset Regional Council Mayor, Jason Wendt, for the opening of the new Scrub Creek Bridge today.
The bridge was raised by 0.8m above the original causeway as part of the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Mayor 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,” Mayor 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.”
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 Queensland Government was committed to building back 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.”
