Road to economic recovery driven by $26m resurfacing works

A massive $26 million in road resurfacing works has been brought forward in the 2020-21 Moreton Bay Regional Council Budget to keep locals employed.

Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery says the works are already underway.

“This $26 million program will see 70km of roads around our region resurfaced, which is the distance from Redcliffe to Caloundra,” he explains.

“The works will address safety issues identified in more than 150 locations around our region from Sandstone Point, to Caboolture, Dakabin and right through our hinterland areas.

“Some of these works will be conducted at night to minimise traffic disruptions for locals. But best of all, by contracting local companies Council is able to give local workers the certainty of knowing they’ve got a job through these uncertain times.”

Who’s doing the work?

These works are being delivered by Narangba-based contractors, Fulton Hogan and Suncoast Asphalt, and Clontarf-based Austek.

Suncoast Asphalt Queensland State Manager Ian Bredbury says fast-tracking the program has been a huge boost for his business and there have been flow-on effects to other local businesses.

“Council fast-tracking works gives us certainty, helps investment keep coming in, and helps us avoid any further job reductions and redundancies,” Mr Bredbury says.

“It doesn’t just help businesses like us — it supports truck companies, lorry drivers, electricians, fitters, and other local shops that support our industry. That’s potentially hundreds of locals who are still employed and spending money in our community.”

It’s not just about roads

Beyond roads, Council has also committed $3 million new funding this financial year for a range of asset maintenance works, with $1 million already spent in 2019-20 repairing everything from beach showers to shade sails, railings and repaints.

“Contractors have been fast-tracking work while also implementing a range of social distancing processes, like staggering the start times of shifts, only carrying two crew in the cabin of vehicles where space allows it, and sanitising vehicles and equipment between use,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Maintenance isn’t the most glamorous work, but it’s essential to keep Moreton Bay locals employed and our economy running.

“I want to thank these crews for being so quick to adapt and innovate, from improving internal processes to scoping and mapping projects, it’s an enormous logistical effort.”

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