General News
28 August, 2024
Cyclone damage contracts
MULTIMILLION-dollar projects to rectify damaged areas of the Douglas Shire have been put to tender.
The works will be jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
A Douglas Shire Council spokesman said the projects would lead to improved resilience, safety and reduce traffic delays.
“There is a tender for the rectification works at Noah Range for the removal of a large vegetation mass, boulders and loose debris,” he said.
“It remains on the slope above Cape Tribulation Rd following a major landslip in December, 2023. Repairs to the road will be undertaken as well.
“Work will begin on Noah Range in October with critical milestones to be completed, weather permitting, by the end of the year, and further works following the wet season”.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said it was an important project for the community that had been heavily impacted by the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
“Earlier this year (the) council and contractors did an amazing job removing debris that continued to slip on numerous occasions following the cyclone from the road and restoring access to Cape Tribulation,” she said. “We now want to safely control the removal of this large vegetation mass rather than waiting for Mother Nature to determine when it falls.
“It is a delicate operation, so it is vital we find the right contractor for the job.”
The project will require an access track to be built on the side of the slope.
The council has been working with consulting engineers, Jabalbina, national parks, traditional owners and the Wet Tropics Management Authority on how best to remove vegetation in this area and protect the significant areas.
A further two tenders – featuring 13 permanent restoration sites – are for the Alexandra Range. The range suffered devastating landslip damage following the post-Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding in December, 2023.
Works at either end of the range will be completed later this year, weather permitting.
“The number of cars and tour buses using Cape Tribulation Road has increased significantly in the second half of the year,” Cr Scomazzon.
“Once these works are completed there will be a reduction in wait times at roadworks. That is great news for tourists and residents,” she said.
Tenders for Noah Range closed on August 20 while the Alexandra Range tenders close today at 5pm
