Western Downs 2021/22 Flood Damage Restoration Program: Flood Waters have Receded let the Roadworks Begin!

Abstract

During 2021/22 the Western Downs experienced an unprecedented period of frequent high rainfall and multiple flood events across the region. Whilst this much-needed rainfall provided great moisture profiles in the soil for cropping and replenished water in our dams, it caused significant damage on our large road network.

Western Downs Regional Council is currently delivering the largest flood damage restoration package in Queensland. This damage is estimated at approximately $167 million to restore these sites to their pre-event condition. This restoration work is programmed to be completed by the end of 2024, weather permitting.

The delivery of this program required an initial comprehensive road assessment to capture the extent of the damage.

A significant amount of temporary emergency repairs were completed to ensure the impacted roads were restored to a safe standard as soon as possible. At the same time, Council planned and schedule more permanent reconstruction works in these locations, which also takes into consideration the site conditions and the standard of resources required to complete the permanent reconstruction.

The works involve desilting and repair of drainage structures, gravel re-sheeting, formation grading, shoulder regrading, replacing culverts, and pavement repairs.

WDRC have approached this flood damage restoration program with key focus on the final product to ensure ideal outcomes for the road network and the region.

WDRC engaged highly qualified, skilled and practical consultants to collaborate on the delivery to ensure it aligned not only to QRA's specifications and requirements but also to WDRC's construction processes. Through a proactive and practical approach this team have analysed and divided the program to maximise cost efficiencies and to optimise quality and end product results. The program has been divided into 43 unsealed road works packages, 8 sealed road works packages, 5 drainage work packages and subsequently 9 unsealed road gravel supply packages.

This unique delivery model has resulted in WDRC having significant involvement in the delivery to ensure that the program is not just delivered to QRA’s treatment guide and timeframes but to ensure the optimised results for the actual road network now and into future. This includes Council contributing additional funding through complementary works for seamless delivery between flood damage and business as usual roadworks. The work packages have been delivered in 'rounds' to secure numerous civil contractors to deliver this substantial work program.