REBUILDING the regions most damaged roads caused by this year’s flooding and storms will cost $15 million and take up to two years.
The worst-affected area, Hovard Road at Bald Knob, is considered the most complex of the repair jobs, with a $5 million price tag and a 2024 completion date.
Sunshine Coast Council said it had completed its assessment of the impact of a series of major landslips caused by recent weather events.
The hinterland was smashed by flooding rain and storms in February, March and May with the worst affected areas being Bald Knob, Wootha (west of Maleny), Glenview, Eudlo, Coolum, Peachester, Montville and Towen Mountain.
The cost of rebuilding the most damaged roads is estimated at $15 million and could take up to two years with highest priority being given to those with the most significant impact, Mayor Mark Jamieson said.
Mr Jamieson said recovery and rectification works have started and would continue for some time.
“At the time of the severe weather events, council crews closed roads for our community’s safety, with recovery from these severe weather events continuing for a long time after the immediate threat passes,” Mayor Jamieson said.
Geotechnical assessments have identified 12 major landslip sites that require engineered solutions and funding support.
Funding assistance will be provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The 12 major landslip sites across our region include:
Policeman Spur Road, Wootha
Bald Knob Road, Bald Knob
Leeding Road, Glenview
Perrins Road, Eudlo
First Bay, Coolum
River Road, Peachester
Narrows Road, Montville
Towen Mountain Road, Towen Mountain
Hovard Road – Slip 1, Bald Knob
Hovard Road – Slip 2, Bald Knob
Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha
Old Maleny Road, Landsborough
Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston thanked the community for their patience.
He said council was carrying out the necessary works and had secured the necessary funding.
“Some roads have been closed or reduced to single lane access, based on preliminary reports about road stability,” Cr Johnston said.
“While this is inconvenient, the road closures are necessary for the safety of residents and road users.
“The landslide at Hovard Road, Bald Knob has closed off the thoroughfare, and I’m eager to see repair works start soon to help minimise the impact on Bald Knob residents and surrounding communities.
Main image: The landslip along Hovard Road at Bald Knob.
