Anti-flood work will start soon

WORK on a $2.4 million drainage project in Fernvale is to begin by mid September. However, some residents are not happy it has taken this long.

TENDERS have been considered for a $2.4 million drainage project in Fernvale, but for some residents it is too little, too late.

Somerset Regional Council is expecting work to begin on the Banks Creek Road, east of Fernvale, by mid September.

However, Fernvale and Surrounding Communities Action Group co-ordinator Dennis Ward is not happy it has taken this long.

“I’m guessing it’s not going to be ready for this wet season, which is shaping up to be as bad as last year,” he said.

The drain the council is beginning work on is the smallest of four drainage areas, Mr Ward said.

“Areas along the Brisbane Valley Highway and east of Brouff Rd flooded in October last year, well before the January flood.”

Mr Ward couldn’t understand why council was publicising that it was getting tenders eight months after the floods.

“They’re patting themselves on the back, sending out media releases, for finally getting tenders after all this time.”

Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said the work had had to wait until studies of the flood were completed.

“We had to get a proper study on it done,” he said. “It’s no good just doing something piecemeal.

“This will not be an easy or cheap project, and there will be traffic disruptions and other changes that will not suit everyone,” he said.

“Around 5000 cubic metres of soil will need to be disposed of in the first stage of the project alone.

“We are determined to make tangible improvements to the Fernvale drainage system before the next wet season.”

Cr Lehmann said consultations had occurred with residents and the Main Roads Department.

“We are determined to make tangible improvements... before the next wet season.”

Originally published as Anti-flood work will start soon