Gympie Regional Council's $105.87 Million Capital Works Program underway

Back
Published
15th October 2024

Gympie Regional Council is getting on with the job of delivering critical infrastructure upgrades for our growing region.

Significant progress has been made on Council’s $105.87 million capital works program, which was adopted just two months ago. This program aims to deliver crucial infrastructure upgrades, enhancing safety, flood resilience, and connectivity for residents and businesses throughout the region.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig expressed his pride in the work already completed.

"This year’s budget prioritises investment in critical infrastructure and improved service delivery and the capital works program is a clear example of that commitment,”

“With over 50% of our program focusing on flood recovery, we are committed to getting our community back on track. To date, council has already repaired 85% of the roads and infrastructure damaged during the 2022 floods, including important recreational spaces like Albert Park, Lake Alford, and more than 10,000 sites across the road network,”

“Our huge program of works is well underway, with several construction projects reaching critical milestones in recent weeks.” he said.

 

  • Flood Road Widening Project – Recently Completed.

One of many projects recently completed around the region, the Flood Road Widening Project saw the transformation of a 990m stretch of road, expanding it from a narrow 4.5m single-lane road to a modern, 10m dual-lane asphalt surface. Completed in just under four months, this upgrade will greatly improve accessibility to the Bruce Highway bypass and safety for residents.

Proudly funded by the Australian Government, who provided $1.65 million through the Roads to Recovery Program, in association with Gympie Regional Council.

 

  • Smerdon, Pritchard, and Copp Road Flood Detour Upgrade – Underway

The vital upgrade to Smerdon, Pritchard, and Copp Road is on Gympie’s Southside. This project began in July 2024 and includes road widening, stormwater improvements, and new asphalt works. Scheduled for completion in mid-2025, the improved road will offer a safer, more efficient flood detour, ensuring critical routes remain open during extreme weather events.

"Upgrading these key roads will help safeguard our road network. Improvements like these are essential for the region’s resilience," Mayor Glen Hartwig said.

Assistance provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Additional funding is provided by Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure and Development Scheme in association with Gympie Regional Council.

 

  • Timber Bridge Renewal Program – Scheduled to begin October 2024

The Timber Bridge Renewal Program is scheduled to commence in October 2024 and will see the replacement of four timber bridges, namely Harrys Creek Road Bridge (Amamoor), Smith Road Bridge (Woolooga), Inglewood Road Bridge (Monkland) and Howe Road Bridge (Traveston) with modern concrete structures.

The four timber bridges have reached end of life and will be replaced with concrete structures, reducing ongoing maintenance needs and increasing flood resilience.

Assistance provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Additional funding of over $3.1 million is provided to the Smith, Inglewood and Howe road bridge projects through the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

Cr Hartwig said the works at Inglewood Road aren’t just a replacement, but betterment works to widen the bridge to two full width lanes, a welcome relief for locals who regularly use the road.

“The bridge renewal program will not only provide long-term cost-savings for the ratepayer but by replacing these bridges with more durable, flood-resistant concrete structures we are ensuring our infrastructure that will serve our community for decades to come," he said.

"Funding support from the Australian and Queensland Governments are critical to delivering these outcomes, and we thank them for their support in making these projects a reality,”

Residents can learn more about the Capital Works Program, by visiting https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/budget