Upgrade works complete for Pilbeam Drive

Published on 19 December 2016

Joint Media Release

Minister for Justice
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counter Terrorism
The Hon Michael Keenan MP

Assistant Minister for Local Government and Infrastructure
Glenn Butcher MP

Both lanes on Mount Archer’s scenic Pilbeam Drive have reopened following extensive work by Rockhampton Regional Council.

Council has completed repair and upgrade works to the popular tourist route following severe damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Marcia thanks to more than $5.5 million provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) program.

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan joined Queensland Assistant Minister for Local Government and Infrastructure Glenn Butcher in commending Rockhampton Regional Council for their upgrade works to Pilbeam Drive.

“Rockhampton Regional Council has completed a $2 million upgrade of Mount Archer’s Pilbeam Drive thanks to the 2015 Betterment Fund, as well as completing about $3.5 million in restoration works, which began earlier this year,” Mr Keenan said.

“The $20 million Betterment Fund was established in response to Tropical Cyclone Marcia for projects just like this and is provided under Category D of the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State NDRRA.”

Mr Butcher said the completion of works marked a significant milestone in Rockhampton’s recovery from the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

“Cyclone Marcia caused severe damage to Pilbeam Drive including landslips that closed the road for six days and has restricted access for traffic ever since,” Mr Butcher said.

“Thanks to joint State and Federal natural disaster recovery funding, Pilbeam Drive is now more resilient, with improved drainage that makes it better able to withstand heavy rainfall and flooding, ensuring this vital link is stronger and more disaster-resistant.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Margaret Strelow said with the added drainage infrastructure at the two main land slip sites and the widened shoulders of the road, along with works on 10 other sites, this upgrade of Pilbeam Drive will minimise rock falls and prevent new slips forming.

“It’s been a big project, starting back in February and I’d like to thank residents and visitors to our region for their patience while we carried out the works to not only restore but improve Pilbeam Drive,” Cr Strelow said.

“To demonstrate this road’s importance to the region, Council has also carried out a further $1.6 million in additional works on Pilbeam Drive.”