THE extreme wet season has impacted a large area of Mareeba Shire, with the northern and eastern parts particularly affected, and road network repairs continue.
A total of 212 roads have sustained damage, which is more than half of all roads in the Shire.
“Council’s road crew of 34 staff members have been working tirelessly with contractors to inspect damage, restore basic practical access and make emergency repairs to the road network across the Shire,” Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“We understand the frustration of having to deal with potholes, but our crews are just as frustrated having to continue to go back to temporarily fix the same issue, until a permanent job can be done.”
Extensive repair works and restoration of assets is not included at this stage of the recovery.
“Our crews are concentrating on major damage at the moment including the necessary activities to protect eligible public assets, temporarily restore essential public services and to maintain public safety,” Mayor Toppin said.
“Please continue to report damage to community infrastructure, but when you do, please be kind and patient and do not take it out on our Staff, they are here to help you. If you would like to talk to someone, please come and talk to me or any of the Councillors.”
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has advised that Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have been activated for Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the associated rainfall and flooding event.
Assistance will be provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Due to ongoing rain and access difficulties the QRA has issued an extension of time to the Emergent and Immediate Restoration submissions for a further 90 days to 30 June 2024.
“We would like to thank the community for their patience as repairs continue across the Shire,” Mayor Toppin said.
Visit Council’s website for a gallery of images that shows the significant impact of this weather event.
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