Concerns rise over erosion near Lamington Bridge, caravan park

Trees, a barrier fence and much of the hillside fronting a caravan park continues to be swallowed by the Mary River after it broke its banks in two major floods earlier this year. VIDEO, PHOTOS.

Erosion appears to be threatening a Maryborough caravan park after two major floods in as many months broke the banks of the Mary River.

Since the waters receded, trees, part of the barrier fence and much of the hillside has fallen away outside the Huntsville Caravan Park at Tinana, where the Lamington Bridge went under.

A letter, viewed by the Fraser Coast Chronicle, shows an exchange between the manager of the park and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, with concerns raised regarding both the bridge and the extensive erosion near the caravan park.

“ (TMR) is currently undertaking detailed assessment of the recent flood damages at both the southern and northern abutments of the bridge,” the letter from TMR to Huntsville Caravan Park manager Barry Chapman read.

“Once completed, the necessary remedial works will be undertaken to address any damages on TMR assets and corresponding areas within our jurisdiction.”

The letter said the Lamington Bridge had first sustained damaged in the 2013 floods, after substantial rain hit the Wide Bay region when ex-tropical cyclone Oswald hit.

“TMR completed remedial works to address the major scouring and erosion on the southern road and pedestrian bridge abutments after this event,” the letter read

“Subsequent inspections of the bridge and the abutment, undertaken as part of its periodic inspection program over the intervening period, have indicated no issues with stabilisation of the southern abutments or adjacent banks since undertaking these flood damage treatment works.”

Poor soil condition of the riverbank coupled with the significant rain event was likely to be the main cause of the vegetation washing away, the letter from TMR explained.

“The bridge which was constructed over 100 years ago and is a low level structure designed to be overtopped,” the letter read.

“Due to the volume of impacts across the road network during the most recent rain events, there is no time frame for delivery of the upcoming remedial works.

A spokesman from the Department of Environment and Science said work was being carried out with local environmental management groups, including the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee and the Burnett Mary Regional Group, to identify projects to remediate environmental impacts following the floods.

“Under Category D of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, DES is seeking to develop an Environmental Recovery Package, jointly funded by State and Commonwealth Governments, to support local groups to lead and contribute to environmental recovery for the many impacted communities,” the response read.

“This proposed package will seek to support various environmental recovery projects that will improve the condition of the catchments and associated ecological processes, and will target riverine recovery, weed and pest management, biodiversity conservation initiatives, and the protection of environmental asset values including heritage.

“This proposed environmental recovery packages is still being considered by the Queensland Government.

“A Clean-Up Package has recently been made available, and will support councils and agencies with the clean-up of flood-related debris including commercial, building and housing debris that is not normally eligible for reimbursement.”

The Chronicle reached out to Mr Chapman but he declined to comment.