Sealed at last! Council receives maor funding to upgrade Cameron Creek Road

Jointly funded by Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)through the Betterment and Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) programs to the totals of $4,160,450 and $246,330, respectively. The total project costs also include a $400,000 contribution from Cook Shire Council.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the upgrades to Cameron Creek Road would help boost the region’s disaster resilience.

“DRFA projects like this aim not only to improve essential infrastructure but to increase its ability to withstand severe disaster events,” Minister Watt said.

“The community has petitioned hard for this funding and we’re very pleased to deliver because these upgrades will build a better Cameron Creek Road that is less likely to be damaged by future floods.”

“The community has petitioned hard for this funding and we’re very pleased to deliver because these upgrades will build a better Cameron Creek Road that is less likely to be damaged by future floods.” ~ Murray Watt, Federal Minister for Emergency Management

Pictured above left to right: Cameron Creek Resident, Jenny Bradley; Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes and CEO, Brian Joiner

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd said the project is one of the first to begin under the $100 million Betterment Fund delivered in response to the northern monsoonal floods of 2023.

“Betterment works like this are a crucial part of our disaster recovery, but they are also essential for improving our state’s long-term disaster resilience,” Ms Boyd said.

“When we can build back stronger than before we’re putting ourselves in an improved position for the next natural disaster that will inevitably come our way.

“Doing this increases community protection and safety, and it’s also prudent from a financial standpoint.

“When avoided reconstruction costs associated with Betterment funding were last calculated following the 2022 Queensland floods, it revealed from an investment of $174 million in projects re-impacted we’ve seen $397.5 million in avoided reconstruction costs.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the benefits of resilient infrastructure rang true for regional and remote parts of Queensland. 

“Betterment projects are complex and take time, but the value is undeniable,” she said.

“Less repairs to disaster damaged infrastructure saves money on materials and labour, which are at a premium in areas like Cook Shire due to our location and the reduced construction window we experience through storm season.

“Connectivity in these parts of our state is also paramount. This Betterment project will make sure Cameron Creek Road can be reopened sooner in the wake of any future flooding.

“Betterment projects aren’t possible without contributions and cooperation from all levels of government, so I want to thank the Commonwealth and council for partnering with us on this important piece of infrastructure for Far North Queensland.”

Mayor of Cook Shire, Cr Robyn Holmes, expressed her gratitude and outlined the project's significance: "This funding marks a pivotal moment for our community. Cameron Creek Road has long been a concern for local residents, and these upgrades will not only improve safety and accessibility but will also help preserve our environment and reduce future maintenance costs. We are grateful to both the Australian and Queensland Governments for their support and commitment to enhancing our region's infrastructure."

"Cameron Creek Road has long been a concern for local residents, and these upgrades will not only improve safety and accessibility but will also help preserve our environment and reduce future maintenance costs." ~ Cr Robyn Holmes, Mayor Cook Shire Council

Cameron Creek Road has required over $300,000 in maintenance between 2013 and 2019 to remain operational due to frequent flooding and stormwater runoff, disrupting essential access to emergency services, education, and the local community. The need for these improvements were further emphasised in community-driven petitions in 2021 and 2024 that outlined the road’s poor condition and frequent inaccessibility. This community input has been invaluable in securing the necessary attention and funding for the project.

The approved project will focus on upgrading a 5.46 km stretch of Cameron Creek Road starting from Endeavour Valley Road. Enhancements include the installation of concrete culverts and causeways to improve drainage and the sealing of the road surface. These upgrades are crucial to prevent future disruptions, decrease ongoing maintenance costs, and protect our natural environment, aligning with Cook Shire Council’s corporate goals of economic efficiency and environmental sustainability.

“These upgrades to Cameron Creek Road will provide our residents with reliable access to essential services and significantly enhance the quality of life in our community,” added Mayor Holmes.

Weather permitting, works are anticipated to commence in July 2024, with completion estimated by June 2025.

Cook Shire Council looks forward to the positive impacts these upgrades will bring and remains committed to improving the infrastructure and lives of our community members.

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.