Disaster funding arrests landslip on Policeman Spur Road
It’s one of the most important functions of councils – looking after local roads.
Under normal circumstances it’s a big responsibility, but in the wake of extreme weather the scale of that responsibility increases massively.
Heavy rainfall across south-east Queensland between February and May 2022 caused major damage to local roads maintained by Sunshine Coast Regional Council, including Policeman Spur Road at Wootha near Maleny.
As the only access road for residents, as well as to local nature reserves and an ecotourism resort, Policeman Spur Road is an important part of the local community.
However, with public safety being a major consideration in council’s management of local roads, the damage to Policeman Spur Road left them with no option other than to close the road to the public.
A geotechnical assessment identified a major landslip on the road that required an engineered solution.
Fixing the road would be no easy task, requiring large investments in both repairs and time relating to design and construction.
The road required landslip rectification, the installation of a protective block wall, reinstatement works, and rockfill along a 60-metre section of the surface.
From an investment of $921,000, the community will now benefit from improved road safety and more resilient infrastructure and surrounds.
In the event of another weather disaster, the slope is designed to remain in place and should not wash away.
Funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments under joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) has allowed Sunshine Coast Council to repair Policeman Spur Road.
This is one of 11 significantly damaged roads across 12 major landslip sites throughout the region.
Facing a total repair bill estimated to be $15 million, council is being supported through the DRFA as it navigates the long-term impacts of the 2022 storms.
Recovery from severe weather continues long after the immediate threat passes, and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority remains available always to work with communities in improving resilience.
