Council
18 May, 2023
Somerset flood repair estimate hits $47M
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has approved Somerset Regional Council flood repair submissions, totalling $17.3 million.
Local Disaster Management Group representative Cr Kylee Isidro (pictured) said, “We have been working closely with QRA to provide all the information required so we can move forward to repair the damage from multiple flood disasters to the region’s road network.”
Cr Isidro said more than 2,600 road sites across the Somerset region have been assessed for flood damage.
“These details have been included in 42 submissions for funding provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth- State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA),” she said.
“It’s been one year since Somerset experienced extraordinary flooding events with floods in almost all parts of the region resulting in two State Declared Disaster Events.
“We have lodged a further 27 submissions with QRA with a value of $30 million, bringing the total repair estimate to $47 million.
“Somerset’s entire rates and charges for last financial year was less than $25 million so this is huge for us.
“In selecting contractors, it was imperative that Council considered the right balance between engaging partners who have the capacity to deliver works of this magnitude, and the benefits these works will bring to our local community in creating local jobs, using local suppliers where possible and supporting local businesses.
“These contracts will create great opportunities in our local economy, and we encourage our local businesses to make the most of these opportunities to help Somerset recover.
“We acknowledge that the community wants to see immediate action on flood repairs affecting them.
“It is important that the community understands the approval process behind this significant repair task, and the enormous volume of photos, designs, tenders and government scrutiny and evidence involved.
“We are pleased to confirm that our contractors have now completed works from three of the submissions. We have eight submissions under construction with a ninth submission soon to be awarded and a further five submissions are ready to go out for tender with contractors.
“We appreciate the community’s continued patience while we deliver repairs over the next 14 months.”
