Community
23 February, 2025
Jasper works ‘exceptional’
A HIGHLIGHTED list of post-Cyclone Jasper road recovery projects has been released in Douglas Shire Council’s January report.
The milestones, outlined in the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements – Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets report (final quarter of 2024), include:
Stage one works completed at Noah Range slip
Seven slip sites completed at Alexandra Range
Detail design and approvals progressed for Noah’s Bridge
Tenders for the Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road slip repairs have been awarded
To date, more than $13 million has been spent across Restoration of Essential Public Assets projects.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said she was proud of the efforts of contractors and staff in progressing these vital works.
“The community is aware the post-Jasper recovery is lengthy but significant inroads were made last year,” she said.
“Council looks forward to what can be achieved in 2025 when work begins in earnest after the wet season.”
Cr Scomazzon told last week’s council meeting that the contractors and staff had done “an exceptional job”.
She said the report showed the community exactly what was being done.
Cr Damian Meadows said the work was “exceptional”.
A council report said expenditure to date was $13.2 million across Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets projects.
“Six construction contracts have been awarded to date with another three expected to be awarded by end of next month,” it said.
“It’s noted that the total cost is represented as $41.1m, however this does not form the final estimated costs.
“Delays in Noah’s causeway approvals remain an ongoing challenge. Proactive engagement with stakeholders is underway to address these hurdles.
“The upcoming wet season poses a significant risk to the program’s progress, with potential delays in on-ground works.
“The DRFA (Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements) program is progressing exceptionally well, with significant milestones achieved on Alexandra Range.
“Repair works are on track, and the program continues to maintain strong momentum.
“The local community is well-informed and supportive. Local contractors have been performing at a high standard, with no safety incidents reported for the quarter.”
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