Pictured above: Horseshoe Bay Park 2019..
Construction of a new culvert as part of the $6 million drainage enhancement at Horseshoe Bay Park has commenced.
The project has been partially funded through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) with $1.6 million provided and Council funding the remainder.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie says this project is yet another result of the Australian Government’s commitment to providing financial assistance to help communities recover from natural disasters.
“We’re proud to be contributing to the development and improvement of draining throughout the Townsville region, a community that experienced such catastrophic damage and loss during the 2019 Queensland Monsoon Trough,” Minister McKenzie said.
“We know the devastating effects of natural disasters are long lasting, which is why we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with these communities to assist them in both their recovery and future.”
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson OAM said it was important that infrastructure on Magnetic Island was able to withstand future events.
“We know that infrastructure on Magnetic Island can be seriously impacted by natural disasters and significant wet weather, so it’s important that we build back better than before,” Phillip Thompson said.
“Having a plan in place to allow stormwater to run away quickly - instead of creating flooding that can severely damage roads and public assets - is extremely important.”
Coordinator-General of the National Recovery and Resilience Agency Shane L Stone AC QC said the repair works are part of the Australian Government’s continued support for communities impacted by the 2019 Monsoon Trough event.
“We know that recovery from the 2019 flood is an ongoing process – we continue to stand with communities hardest hit to support them for the long haul.
“Projects like these drainage upgrades not only help with recovery, but also help strengthen their resilience against future disasters,” Mr Stone said.
“It is no longer good enough to just clean up after a disaster, we are actively working with all levels of government to increase the focus on mitigation, preparation and resilience.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the funding would keep locals safe.
“This project will deliver additional draining along Apjohn Street to ensure locals are kept safe during severe weather events,” Mr Stewart said.
“The Queensland Government is committed to upgrading regional infrastructure through the DRFA to ensure our communities are more resilient when natural disasters strike.
“This is about fixing the problem long term to try and stop it happening again.
“Queensland’s plan for economic recovery is already underway and it’s delivering for locals on Magnetic Island, with more jobs up for grabs to deliver a safer community.”
Pictured above: Apjohn Street December 2020
Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said the culvert construction is the next major part of the project being completed by BMD.
“This culvert is being installed at the intersection of Apjohn Street and Horseshoe Bay Road as a key part of the project to address the drainage issues in the area,” Cr Rehbein said.
“While this is completed there will be a temporary side-track installed to detour around the construction site and I’d like to thank residents and visitors for their patience.”
The project had also required the relocation of the multi-purpose court to allow for the installation of the culvert, with a community consultation for residents to select which sports should be included held earlier in the year.
Cr Rehbein said the consultation for the new multipurpose court had good results and an update on the delivery of the project would be given soon.
“We had some great feedback through the consultation on the relocation and redevelopment of the sports court in Horseshoe Bay Park and we’ll be looking to update the community on the results, the decision and the install soon,” he said.
The project scope of works includes:
removal of power poles and installation of underground power to the northern side of Apjohn Street
construction of an open drain on the southern side of Apjohn Street
construction of an open drain through Horseshoe Bay Park
installation of a drainage culvert within the intersection of Horseshoe Bay Road and Apjohn Street
excavation and reconstruction of identified portions of Apjohn Street for drainage works