It will be safer to travel through Gundiah, Bauple and Tiaro during floods and storms with the completion of the new and improved Gundiah floodway.

The project was funded by the $40 million Commonwealth-State Betterment Fund which was established in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the floodway had been rebuilt to a higher standard.

“This will keep regional towns connected during extreme weather events,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The $1.92 million project put in reinforced concrete approaches, two traffic lanes and two shoulders, at Gutchy Creek Bridge on Netherby Road and a concrete floodway on Dakins Road.

“This is just another way we’re making rural communities better prepared for future disasters.”

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said safer, stronger transport infrastructure helps communities bounce back after natural disasters.

“Netherby Road is major connector road so it’s important to get traffic through again as quickly as possible after flooding because that’s what helps stimulate the local economy,” Minister Dick said.

“The delivery of this project will also ensure local famers can get their produce to markets sooner after floods have been through.”