The long road to recovery: Bloomfield Road repair and reconstruction works to commence

Cook Shire Council is pleased to announce that significant recovery and reconstruction works are now underway along Bloomfield Road, marking a major step forward in the region’s recovery from Tropical Cyclone Jasper and associated flooding. 

Funding for the project has been made available under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which provides vital support to communities recovering from extreme weather events.

While temporary repairs have helped maintain access to the road over the past months, the commencement of permanent works is now possible thanks to secured funding and the completion of detailed geotechnical assessments.

These essential works will improve access along the road, ensuring the safety and connectivity of residents, businesses, and visitors.

The program includes both standard and specialised treatments across several critical sites, such as full-width road reconstruction, culvert repairs, slope stabilisation, and pothole repairs.

This will strengthen the road’s structural integrity and minimise further disruptions as the wet season approaches.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

“The reconstruction efforts along Bloomfield Road demonstrate our commitment to supporting communities in their recovery from natural disasters, ensuring safer and more resilient infrastructure for the future.

“We are proud to work with local councils and the Miles Government to deliver essential recovery projects that not only rebuild these networks, but enhance the resilience of our communities for future extreme weather events.

“This is an example of how the Albanese Government is supporting communities to be better prepared for and protected from future natural disasters.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cook Cynthia Lui:

“Bloomfield Road is a project that matters to Cape residents and visitors ahead of the wet season.

“We know recovery from Tropical Cyclone Jasper continues to be challenging for many Far North Queenslanders.   

“Getting started on the reconstruction of key sections of Bloomfield Road is a critical step in the region’s recovery.

“This is a great example of the Miles and Albanese Governments working in partnership with Council to fix vital infrastructure and build resilience for the next disaster season.”

Quotes attributable to Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes:

“Restoring Bloomfield Road is crucial to keeping our community connected and ensuring safety, especially with the wet season approaching.

"We appreciate the support from the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which is making these essential works possible.

“This takes time, but these are necessary steps to ensure the work is done properly.

“Council is doing everything it can to complete the repairs and reopen the road to full functionality as soon as possible. We thank the community for its patience.”

Information on the project:

The scale and complexity of the damage caused by flooding after Tropical Cyclone Jasper required thorough geotechnical assessments and several specialised designs to ensure long-lasting and effective repairs. The challenging terrain and need for detailed planning have been critical in preparing for the commencement of these essential works.

The program will be delivered in multiple stages to prioritise critical sites. Construction on high-priority sites is set to commence by mid-September 2024, with the intention of completing these works before the start of the wet season.

Cook Shire Council continues to work with all agencies in the region, including the Wet Tropics Management Authority and Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation to secure the necessary permits and approvals. This collaboration ensures that the environmental and cultural significance of the area is respected and protected throughout the recovery process.

View Cook Shire’s Recovery Plan here. 

For more information please contact Cook Shire Council by calling 4082 0500 or emailing mail@cook.qld.gov.au

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