Regional Road Group - August 2012
Works Program
The 2012/13 works program is underway with some significant projects on the horizon:
• Woobadda Creek Crossing on Cape Tribulation-Bloomfield Road (pending WTMA approvals)
• Widening of Redlynch Intake Road between Larsen Road and Redlynch Connector Road
• Various works on Flying Fish Point Road (Innisfail) and Tully Gorge Road (Tully)
• Further construction to a sealed standard of Battlecamp Road in Cook Shire
• Seven bridge and floodway upgrades on the Tablelands
• Construction to a sealed standard of Ootann Road on the Tablelands under RSDP
Whilst an expenditure level of approximately 93% was achieved for 2011/12, the allocations for 2012/13 projects are in the order of $4.75m (TIDS subsidy only). This is approximately 35% higher than the standard annual allocation of $3.493m due to deferrals and carry overs – therefore a concentrated effort will need to be maintained in terms of planning, delivery, and submission of TIDS claims, to achieve the minimum 85% expenditure again in 2012/13.
Project planning and design progress reports are now a fixed item on the agenda at TC meetings to ensure the program is delivered effectively and nothing "falls through the cracks" which could compromise the region's funding levels.
State Controlled LRRS Works Program
A prime focus in 2012/13 is the incorporation of the TMR LRRS works program into the general FNQRRG "system" and works program. This has not occurred for a number of years and is detrimental to the intention of the Roads Alliance Board.
Essentially the TMR and Council LRRS network is the one beast and should be treated the same way in terms of project prioritisation and program development. In terms of funding, 100% of an RRG's LRRS & Non-LRRS TIDS allocation can be transferred to the TMR LRRS network in any one year, and likewise 20% of an RRG's TMR LRRS capital allocation can be transferred to the Council LRRS network in any one year – based on an effective prioritisation process and demonstrated requirement across the entire LRRS network.
Cape Tribulation-Bloomfield Link – Planning Study
The public consultation phase is expected to commence this month and the Planning Study is expected to be completed four weeks following this, subject to agreement by WTMA on timeframe. Terms of Reference for the Planning Study have been forwarded to Wujal Wujal, Cook, TMR and WTMA for consideration and agreement.
Woobadda Creek Crossing
Detailed design for the Woobadda Creek crossing is still advancing as planned, and permit applications for the project are also in progress with a view to submitting immediately following acceptance and approval of the Planning Study by WTMA.
Bloomfield River Bridge at Wujal Wujal
TMR has appointed a Project Manager and it is planned to call tenders this month for a design and construct contract. There are still some cultural heritage and environmental issues to be resolved.
Construction will more than likely be undertaken in the 2013 dry season meaning the current temporary crossing may need some maintenance and rehabilitation measures prior to the coming wet season.
Cairns and TMR have commenced discussions regarding the ownership and stewardship issue of the new bridge.
Bridge Asset Management
The joint funding submission to the Roads Alliance Board's Statewide Capability Development Fund for the procurement of bridge asset management software was successful in terms of receiving an allocation. The Roads Alliance is currently determining the % subsidy which will be allocated to the submission – 75% was requested. There were a number of submissions State wide and the total value of these submissions will probably determine the final % subsidy, which will be no less than 50%.
Another submission has been prepared for the development of an alternative timber bridge inspection and maintenance manual based on the "inspect, preserve and restore" principles used by Dan Tingley (Senior Wood Technologist / Structural Engineer) of "Timber Restoration Systems Pty Ltd". Cassowary Coast has successfully used these principles in the past 12 months on three timber bridges and long term savings are expected without compromising service levels for this critical class of public infrastructure. 100% funding has been requested as this is proposed to be a state wide project for the benefit of all Regional Road Groups / Councils / TMR. FNQRRG is simply acting as the instigator / facilitator of the proposed project.
Road Safety Audits
The Roads Alliance recently released a policy factsheet pertaining to Road Safety Audits and funding through the TIDS program.
FNQRRG is negotiating to have an accredited Road Safety Auditor training course conducted in FNQ later in 2012. IPWEAQ and CARRS-QUT are the chief providers of this training – more details in coming months.
RSRM and NetRISK Training
The Road Safety Risk Manager and NetRISK Training Workshops have been confirmed and finalised. Both workshops will be held at the Civic Reception Room, Ground Floor, Cairns Regional Council, Spence Street, Cairns.
• RSRM – Wednesday 5 September – 9am to 4.30pm
• NetRISK – Thursday 6 September – 8am to 12pm
Following a submission by FNQRRG for 50% funding for the cost of the RSRM training, the Roads Alliance announced they are fully funding this training for all RRGs should they choose to undertake it, which is good news. The NetRISK training is also fully funded by the Roads Alliance Board.
Capability Agreement & Action Plan
The 2012/13 Capability Agreement & Action Plan was drafted by the TC at the Atherton meeting and this will now be submitted to the RRG for endorsement and adoption.
Roads Alliance
General news from the Roads Alliance:
• TIDS funding is likely to survive in future after the State Government audit of finances.
• The focus in the next 12 months will be not only on timely delivery of the TIDS program, but also on timely and regular submission of TIDS expenditure claims to ensure expenditure levels reflect delivery and to improve cash flows.
• The next Roads Alliance Board meeting will be in October 2012.
Latest Minutes
• FNQRRG TC Meeting held on 13 July 2012
Next Meeting Dates
• FNQRRG TC - Thursday 6 September 2012, Civic Reception Room, Ground Floor, Cairns Regional Council commencing at 12pm (agenda will be posted here just prior)
• FNQRRG - Monday 13 August 2012, Council Chamber, Tablelands Regional Council, Atherton commencing at 1.30pm following the FNQROC Board Meeting (Agenda).