Preventing damage and disruption from Queensland’s major weather event
Published 31 August 2023
City of Moreton Bay is building its resilience against flooding and other flow-on effects of major weather events with critical infrastructure improvements at Laceys Creek due to start next month.
Works to repair damage caused by the extreme storms that ravaged South East Queensland in 2022 and improve the causeway at Laceys Creek Road, near Raynbird Creek Rd, will begin in September 2023.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the repairs would future-proof against road closures and additional damage due to flooding.
“City of Moreton Bay has invested over $150,000 into this causeway rejuvenation, with $688,488 in assistance provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA),” he said.
“The February 2022 floods were some of the worst our region has ever experienced and the effects were felt across every pocket of the Moreton Bay.
“Council will repair the concrete structures damaged in last year’s storms and rejuvenate the Laceys Creek crossing to ensure heavy rain and flooding have much lesser impact on residents and passage through the area.
“The extreme weather events we saw in 2022 caused significant damage to public infrastructure and assets across our City, including at Laceys Creek, and trends suggest that more extreme weather is likely to come our way.
“City of Moreton Bay, in partnership with the State and Federal Governments, is proactively tackling projects like this to mitigate weather-related risks and enable our communities to thrive into the future.”
Emergency Management Minister, Murray Watt said the DRFA is preparing Australia for future natural disasters and keeping Australians safe.
“The Australian and Queensland Governments have made $170 million available to Queensland communities impacted by disasters across 2021-22 to improve the resilience of essential public infrastructure damaged as a result of these disaster events,” he said.
"We’re helping reduce the vulnerability of communities facing high levels of disaster risk as part of a long-term commitment to making Australia more resilient in the face of growing natural hazards.”
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the project was a great example of all three levels of government working together to provide a solution for the community.
“The Queensland Government is investing in projects like repairing Laceys Creek Road to make communities safer and more resilient to natural disasters,” Mr Miles said.
“This is part of our commitment to build back better.
“We’re helping Queenslanders from all communities get back on their feet after the record floods that swept through the region in February 2022.
“Thanks to City of Moreton Bay for submitting a funding application to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s (QRA) so that this project could get the funding it needs.”
Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said the repairs would make the road more resilient.
“This is part of our commitment to build back better,” Ms Boyd said.
“Our community showed so much resilience when facing significant damage due to flood waters last year, so its great that the repairs and rebuild will make the road and causeway stronger than ever.”
The project scope includes:
- construction of temporary access tracks
- demolition of the damaged structure
- construction, repairs and improvements to the causeway.
Councillor Darren Grimwade (Division 11) said construction will create better access for the Laceys Creek community.
“It’s important that these remote communities get the attention they deserve and I’m proud that Council can work with both levels of government to get on with this project.
“Not only will the Laceys Creek Road causeway be repaired in full thanks to the DRFA, but it will be upgraded to prevent future damage thanks to Council’s extra funding.
“The 2022 storms highlighted the incredible importance of taking action early and adapting our assets to reduce risks and keep our region moving.”