Somerset Regional Council joined Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Disaster Recovery, the Honourable Ann Leahy, and Federal Member for Blair, the Honourable Shayne Neumann, in officially opening Scrub Creek Bridge on Tuesday, 25 February.

The new bridge will be more resilient during future flooding events, improving road access for Scrub Creek residents in times of need.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said he was pleased to help open the new Scrub Creek Bridge, which was jointly funded under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“We’ve seen time and again local communities in the Somerset Region hit hard by natural disasters and it’s great news that this new flood resilient infrastructure is now open,” Mr Neumann said.

“It’s important local transport networks are built back better and as quickly as possible to keep communities connected.

“We are continuing to work with the Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council to make sure local roads and bridges are repaired and made accessible again.”

Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was committed to building back communities better and stronger than ever after natural disasters.

“Keeping communities connected is a fundamental focus of flood resilience work for our government,” Minister Leahy said.

“With every flood disaster in Queensland we see how quickly our communities can be affected by isolation.”

“Building flood resilience into vital infrastructure like bridges and roads is a valuable investment in keeping communities safe, connected, and supplied in times of crisis.

“Reconstructing Scrub Creek Bridge to a more flood resilient standard will give Somerset residents confidence they won’t face the past impacts of isolation during future flood events.”

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the former concrete causeway and culvert crossing was easily submerged with heavy rainfall, preventing access to the community.

“Before now, only 50mm of rain in the Brisbane River upper catchment would cause access issues for Scrub Creek residents,” Cr Wendt said.

“During the 2022 floods this community was cut off for an extended period, and there was significant work required to reestablish access on this road.”

Cr Wendt said the upgrade work began in March 2024 and finished September 2024.

“The new bridge has already proven to be a game-changer for the community,” Cr Wendt said.

“Just three months after construction, it stood strong during the heavy December rains, keeping our roads open and our residents connected.

“This is a huge relief for a community that has faced isolation during past rain events.”

Raising the bridge by 0.8m above the original causeway has not only improved flood resilience but also reduced the time and resources needed to restore access after severe weather, offering long-term benefits for the region.

Somerset Regional Council thanks the Australian Government and Queensland Government for their assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The project was supported by $5.1 million in DRFA funding and $186,000 contributed by Somerset Regional Council.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann, Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt, Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Disaster Recovery, the Honourable Ann Leahy and State Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington cutting the ribbon at the Scrub Creek Bridge opening.

 

Scrub Creek residents celebrated the opening of the new bridge.

 

Somerset Councillors Brett Freese, Kylee Isidro, Mayor Jason Wendt, Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke, Tiara Hurley and Sally Jess at the bridge opening.