The local government area has experienced well above average rainfall over the past few months which has led to an accelerated deterioration of local roads. 

Council Manager of Infrastructure Delivery Callum Moore said in response to this deterioration the council has needed to change its approach to maintenance to attend to some roads which have reached high levels of urgency.

“Council has introduced pothole maintenance teams, which are working in conjunction with the jet patcher, to respond to a large number of potholes that have recently appeared on our sealed roads,” he said.

“A new schedule has also been produced for the unsealed roads which have the most severe levels of deterioration.

“The roads maintenance teams have to diverge from the previously planned schedule of works and work only in the areas identified as high priority. Council is hoping that within the next few months we are able to return to a more efficiently planned schedule of works.”

Deputy Mayor Carol Sparks said the current focus on pothole repair should not be considered by residents as a replacement for more permanent road repair.

“I think because of the concerns about the road’s, the council is having a rethink and will now address the more urgent need for repair of the roads,’ she said. 

“The works that people will see happening is not replacing more permanent road repair it’s just that these are urgent works on roads that need attention now.

“I will continue to lobby for more permanent solutions to our roads problems.”

Council employee Chris Sharman said the Jetpatcher machine being used for the works is highly efficient.

“This type of work would normally require a crew of people,” he said.

“I don’t even have to leave the cab to do the works, so it has minimal impact on traffic and is very safe.”

Mr Moore said Council would like to thank residents for their ongoing patience throughout this period of unusually high rainfall and its impacts on our road network. 

“Enquiries from the community regarding the high priority areas for road maintenance have been much appreciated,” Mr Moore said.  

“Council thanks businesses, motorists and residents for their understanding and cooperation.”

Mr Moore said public enquiries in relation to the works can be directed to the Council's Infrastructure Services Department on 6730 2371.