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Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell MP, has once again prodded the Department of Transport and Main Roads for a reopening date following the prolonged closure of one lane on Kilcoy-Beerwah Road at Cedarton.

“The road has now been closed for 530 days after a drain failed and the road slipped following heavy rain in February and March 2022,” said Mr Powell.

In Parliament in February this year, Mr Powell asked the Main Roads Minister to provide a timeline for the reopening of both lanes.  As the damage was caused by a natural disaster, the response indicated that repairs were not advancing because negotiations were stalled between the Federal and State Governments over who would pay for what given.

“A month ago, I tried again because after a year and a half later there really are no excuses for the issue not being resolved.”

TMR has stated that rectification works will require multiple design elements due to the steep embankment failure and the high risk rating the site received during the post-flood inspection.

They’ve also mentioned that significant work has already been undertaken to complete detailed damage assessments and site investigations, but they cannot confirm the timing for construction.

“I get the project is complicated and that we need to get this right but where is the timeline? Kilcoy-Beerwah Road is well-travelled by locals and tourists alike and they deserve to know when this section will be restored to two fully functioning lanes.”

“When is enough enough? After two years? Three? The Minister and TMR are treating our communities and commuters with contempt and I won’t stop till we get a timeline for reopening and construction commences,” concluded Mr Powell.