Reconstruction Works Underway Across Hinchinbrook Shire

Reconstruction works are taking place across the Hinchinbrook Shire, with a number of projects underway to repair damage sustained during severe weather events that occurred in 2018 and early 2019.

Councillor Wally Skinner said that the works were now taking place in Helens Hill, Bambaroo, Abergowrie and Yuruga areas, with further projects to be rolled out across the Shire in the coming months.

“Projects being undertaken across the Shire to rectify damage sustained during the March 2018 flood events, the December 2018 Ex Tropical Cyclone Owen event, and the January/February 2019 Monsoon event.

“Council has been working closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to access support through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), in order to ensure works have been undertaken as quickly as possible,”

“Current projects have begun in the Helens Hill and Bambaroo areas, Abergowrie, and Yuruga areas, with a variety of contractors undertaking the works under the DRFA,” Cr Skinner said.

Council recently completed the rectification of a damaged drain adjoining a Hawkins Street property in Ingham.

Mr Albert Smith, who owns the property adjoining the damaged drain on Hawkins Street, said the drain was damaged during the March 2018 flood events was a cause of concern for him and his wife.

“We were very concerned that any more significant rain would cause the further damage to the drain and in turn cause damage to our property.”

“Thankfully the Council, through local contractors Keita Services, has been able to come in and rectify the damaged drain before we received any further heavy rainfall this year.”

“My wife and I are very relieved now that the work has been completed, and feel confident because it has been completed to such a high standard,” Mr Smith said.

These projects have been initiated by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Eligible works are jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the NDRRA and DRFA.

Attached image: Mr and Mrs Smith with Keith Metcalf and Brendan Wright inspect the reconstruction works at Hawkins Street, Ingham.