Bloomfield Road DRFA Remediation Works

All funding for this project is through Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) program.

In December 2023, Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused widespread damage to our region, including significant impacts to Bloomfield Road. The road suffered multiple landslips, washouts, and culvert failures, restricting or blocking access at various points.

Immediately after the cyclone, Cook Shire Council began emergency recovery efforts to restore safe access for local residents and communities. These efforts included clearing landslides, repairing damaged crossings, and both temporary and permanent reconstructions of major slip sites. Since then, Council has continued to ensure safe access through traffic control measures, ongoing patching, repairs, and regular monitoring of critical areas.

Planning for permanent repairs has also progressed, including detailed geotechnical and structural assessments and designs.

The construction works on Bloomfield Road are grouped into four main categories:

1. Road Section Repairs (less than 250 meters long): Several locations along the entire road
   
   
2. Full Width Road Reconstruction (more than 500 meters long): Five sections, ranging from approximately 700 meters to 4 kilometers
   
   
3. Major Slip and Batter Failure Sites (10+ locations):Three most critical sites and seven additional priority sites (eg: Figure 1 below)
   
   
4. Major Creek Crossings: Gap Creek, Platypus Creek, and Olufsen Creek (eg: Figure 2 below)

Council has successfully secured Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) funding for critical recovery and reconstruction work. Construction is set to begin by mid-September 2024, with a focus on repairing multiple road sections and culvert crossings before the next wet season.

Council is also working closely with Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, Wet Tropics Management Authority, and other environmental agencies to meet all environmental and cultural requirements.

Traffic Management Plan will be in place. It is anticipated this could also result in part road closures and delays. Please plan your travel accordingly, be mindful of crews working in the area, follow signage and drive to conditions. 

Phase 1 : Early December 2024

Phase 2: Early December 2025