By Melissa Coleman
While community concerns over the ongoing chronic deterioration of our regional roads is justifiable, Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi believes it will take around two years to catch up with the normal road maintenance schedule.
Rural and regional roads throughout the Southern Downs and Granite Belt have deteriorated with some potholes as large as half a metre.
“There wouldn’t be too many kilometres that weren’t impacted in the unprecedented weather conditions of late,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“We have over 3000 kilometres of road in the region with damage.
“We have more than 300 culvert areas that need repairing, some are minor but a lot of them need a complete rebuild.
“This is a level of enormity that I’ve never experienced,” he said.
Mayor Pennisi said they have cut normal maintenance projects to one-third gravel resheeting, and one-third bitumen reseals, so all road work crews can be out repairing the extensive damage to major road areas.
The challenge is the increased chance of La Nina reforming and bringing more heavy rain to the region in the coming months.
“If this high level of rain comes as predicted, we could be back to square one,” Mayor Pennisi said.
Despite road crews working continuously to improve the betterment of roads in the region, they are hindered by the lengthy process the Council must follow.
It takes time for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to approve the Southern Downs Regional Council’s application for each job.
“We evaluate the job that needs to be done, then send our report to the QRA and they assess the application then give authorisation and funding. This process is lengthy.”
Since 2020 the Council have been playing catch up on roadwork due to numerous hefty rain events.
“This year we’ve had four or more rain events that have impacted our roads but having said that we are focused on getting the job done and continuing to repair all we can,” Mayor Pennisi said.
Warwick Highway Patrol Sgt Dominic Crenasco said road conditions are not what they used to be due to wet weather.
“Drivers need to adjust their driving behaviour,” Sgt Crenasco said.
“A maximum speed limit is just that, a maximum speed limit.
“The conditions of the road determine how a driver adjusts their behaviour to drive to what is suitable at that time,” he said.
Sgt Crenasco said arrival times to a destination may be longer so allow more time.
“Drivers will experience slightly slower arrival times due to slowing down for road works, signage and detours so take into consideration the time of arrival.
“Maintaining your vehicle is becoming an important priority as well. Deteriorated roads put a lot more stress on vehicles.”
“Be sure you check your tyres and suspension regularly,” he said.
