Business
State and Federal funds help safeguard a busy section of the Dawson Highway
Work to stabilise a section of embankment along the Dawson Highway at West Gladstone was successfully completed thanks to funding from the Australian and Queensland governments.
The project involved earthworks, construction of a retaining wall, batter stabilisation, drainage and landscaping, and footpath works.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said work on the 300m long project area, located between Far and Breslin Streets, was undertaken to address erosion of the exposed batter slope.
“These works remediated erosion concerns, and together with the construction of a new retaining wall, will also dramatically reduce the need for future maintenance,” Councillor Burnett said.
The Australian Government funded $715,000 for the Dawson Highway Batter Stabilisation Project under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program with Council contributing $135,000.
The LRCI Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Queensland Government contributed towards the footpath works.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project cemented the Queensland Government’s commitment to active transport.
“We want to encourage Queenslanders to lace up and go for a walk, run or cycle on our local paths and bikeways,” Mr Bailey said.
“This will support the design work that is underway for cycling facilities on the Dawson Highway between Glenlyon Road and Harvey Road.
“We will continue to prioritise and invest in quality active transport infrastructure and encouragement activities to maintain this momentum and get more Queenslanders walking and riding bikes.”
State Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said improving safety for residents was an important outcome from the works.
“As this road is a high traffic and pedestrian area, the work conducted along the Dawson Highway at West Gladstone will provide the Gladstone community a safer footpath whilst reducing future cost and maintenance to the area,” Mr Butcher said.
The Dawson Highway Batter Stabilisation project is jointly funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication, and Gladstone Regional Council.
