Resident Jenny Bradley discusses the $4.7 million Cameron Creek Road upgrade announcement, and the impact it will have on the liveability of the area, with Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes and CEO Brian Joiner. Photo: Supplied.
Cook Shire Council has announced $4.7 million in funding for significant upgrades to Cameron Creek Road has been given the green light in a move set to improve the area’s disaster resilience.
The long-awaited infrastructure upgrade is being jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to the tune of $4,406,780, with the council also contributing $400,000 to the project.
The project will focus on upgrading a 5.46-kilometre stretch of Cameron Creek Road, starting from Endeavour Valley Road, with enhancements including the installation of concrete culverts and causeways to improve drainage and the sealing of the road surface.
The council spent more than $300,000 in maintaining the road between 2013 and 2019, and Mayor Robyn Holmes said the upgrade would provide a multitude of benefits to both road users and the organisation’s bottom line.
“This funding marks a pivotal moment for our community,” she said.
“Cameron Creek Road has long been a concern for local residents, and these upgrades will not only improve safety and accessibility, but will also help preserve our environment and reduce future maintenance costs.
“We are grateful to both the Australian and Queensland Governments for their support and commitment to enhancing our region’s infrastructure.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the project would boost Cameron Creek Road’s capacity to withstand future extreme weather events.
“The community has petitioned hard for this funding, and we’re very pleased to deliver because these upgrades will build a better Cameron Creek Road that is less likely to be damaged by future floods,” he said.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the value of remote infrastructure projects like the Cameron Creek Road upgrade were “undeniable”.
“Less repairs to disaster-damaged infrastructure saves money on materials and labour, which are at a premium in areas like Cook Shire, due to our location and the reduced construction window we experience through storm season,” she said.
“Connectivity in these parts of our state is also paramount [and] this betterment project will make sure Cameron Creek Road can be reopened sooner in the wake of any future flooding.”
Weather permitting, works are anticipated to commence in July 2024, with an estimated completion by June 2025.
