NDRRA restoration works throughout McKinlay Frequently Asked Questions July 2015 What is McKinlay Shire Council doing to repair the damage to the roads following the natural disasters of the last couple of years? What is the NDRRA program? What Information is needed to demonstrate that full payment can be made? Which roads are scheduled for repairs? Why are only some roads being repaired? Who determines which roads will get priority for repairs under the NDRRA program? Why are roads not being upgraded at the same time as the repairs? How long will the repairs take to complete? What standards are being used for the road repairs? How is this program being managed locally? How can I find out about subcontracting/or working on this program? How can I keep up to date with what is going on with the road works? How do I report a compliment or concern? McKinlay Shire Council NDRRA Restoration Works has been made possible with funding provided by the Australian (75%) and Queensland (25%) Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements” _____________________________________________________________________________________ What is MSC doing to repair the damage to the roads from the last couple of years? Extensive repairs to McKinlay Shire’s vast road and drainage network are required as a result of the severe weather events in 2013 and more recently again in 2014, and 2015. McKinlay Shire Council is undertaking a significant flood restoration program throughout the region. The 2013 event works have been completed in mid 2015. The 2014 event program of works is being delivered under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), a joint federal and state initiative. AECOM is currently working with Council to repair the damage resulting from the monsoonal trough that hit the McKinlay region during February 2014. Damage assessment activities for the 2015 event will lead to an assessment from Queensland Reconstruction Authority to Council. What is the NDRRA program? The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) is a joint federal (75%) and state (25%) initiative. It provides funding to rebuild Queensland after the recent disasters in the last several years. Around $14 billion has been committed to Queensland through this program, with more than $12 billion of works in progress or delivered. So far over $8 million has been committed for road repairs in the McKinlay Shire for the 2013 event damage. The 2014 event has a recommended value of over $5M What information is needed to demonstrate that full payment can be made? Both State and Commonwealth Governments provide funding and each are involved in the claim review process. Detailed tracking and reporting of costs is important to be able to demonstrate eligible expenses. McKinlay Shire Council NDRRA Restoration Works has been made possible with funding provided by the Australian (75%) and Queensland (25%) Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements” Eligibility must be demonstrated for the particular activities, individual assets and specific expenditure claimed. Which roads are scheduled for repairs? Over 20 roads are scheduled for repair throughout the McKinlay Shire. Works will take place throughout the Shire including the following assets: Baroona Road Beenfields Road Bezuma Road Byrimine Road Etta Plains Road Eulolo Road Euraba Road Gilliat-McKinlay Road Gladevale Road Ivellen Road Julia Creek Airport Julia Ck - Taldora Road Kelloshiel Rd Kynuna-Middleton Road Malpas - Trenton (Glenmore) Road Minamere Road Nelia-Bunda Road Old Normanton Road Oontoo Road Oorindi Road Trenton - Woodstock Road Percol Road Punchbowl - Nelia Rd Punchbowl Road Zonia Downs Rd Why are only some roads being repaired? Funding for road repairs in the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) program comes through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. There are strict criteria that determine which roads and sections of roads may be repaired. To be eligible for funding, damage to the road (or any essential community asset) must have occurred as a direct consequence of a declared national disaster. McKinlay Shire Council NDRRA Restoration Works has been made possible with funding provided by the Australian (75%) and Queensland (25%) Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements” Who determines which roads will get priority for repairs under the program? McKinlay Shire Council’s first priority is to ensure the safety of the community. The priorities for repairing roads are guided by a number of factors including safety requirements, levels of road usage (traffic volumes) and the level of damage on the road. Why are roads not being upgraded at the same time as the repairs? NDRRA restoration work will be undertaken separately and in parallel with Council’s continuing normal capital works and maintenance works program. The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) program is required to abide by Queensland Reconstruction Authority guidelines. For restoration works, these specify that roads (and other assets) can only be restored to their pre-disaster condition. How long will the repairs take to complete? The entire 2014 works program is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2016. What standards are being used for the road repairs? In line with Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) requirements, road repairs (treatments) are developed using Queensland Reconstruction Authority guidelines. The treatment standards adopted are generally in accordance with previous practices within the Council area, and incorporate processes from TMR and AUSTROADs where suitable. How is this program being managed locally? McKinlay Shire Council has engaged the engineering firm AECOM’s Townsville team to manage delivery of the NDDRA works. AECOM is taking on the role of program manager for the delivery of 2014 event works and associated construction management of the flood restoration works across the region. McKinlay Shire Council NDRRA Restoration Works has been made possible with funding provided by the Australian (75%) and Queensland (25%) Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements” Local industry participation in the program is beneficial economically, and positively contributes to the region’s workforce skills and knowledge. Council utilise local sub-contractors and suppliers who are registered in a standing offer arrangement with Council, for the provision of plant, equipment and materials. How can I provide feedback on the road damage? Community members are being encouraged to help assess the damage by providing photographs and information on the location, extent and source of road damage. Not all road damage will be related to natural disasters, however the involvement of the community is encouraged to assist Council in delivering and maintaining an efficient road network. Feedback and information can be provided via an online feedback form which is available on Council’s website www.mckinlay.qld.gov.au/roads. The feedback form asks for information on: - Source of damage - Type of damage - When the damage occurred - Location of the damage You can also provide feedback directly to Council by contacting Council’s Administration Office on 4746 4210 or email at alana.verhoeven@mckinlay.qld.gov.au Why is Council asking the community to provide ‘wish list’ items for infrastructure improvements? Council is interested in understanding the community’s priorities for infrastructure improvements in the region. The website’s feedback form mentioned above can be used to provide your ideas. The feedback received will be used by Council to help make decisions about potential future infrastructure investment and works. McKinlay Shire Council NDRRA Restoration Works has been made possible with funding provided by the Australian (75%) and Queensland (25%) Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements” The prioritisation of any works will be determined by a number of factors including safety requirements and funding. How can I find out about subcontracting/or working on this program? You can contact Council to find out more by calling Council’s Administration Office on 4746 4210. How can I keep up to date with what is going on with the road works? We will be providing regular updates to the community through Council’s website www.mckinlay.qld.gov.au/roads and Facebook page www.facebook.com/mckinlayshire.council Information will also be sent via Council’s community email database. Please make sure Council has your preferred contact details to ensure you receive updates, as this is a great way to stay informed. You can also contact Council on 4746 4210 or email at alana.verhoeven@mckinlay.qld.gov.au How do I report a compliment or concern? Please contact the MSC NDRRA team on 4746 4210 or email at alana.verhoeven@mckinlay.qld.gov.au McKinlay Shire Council NDRRA Restoration Works has been made possible with funding provided by the Australian (75%) and Queensland (25%) Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements”