More than $100 million invested in bettering WA’s flood-prone Kimberley roads

Roads and bridges in Western Australia’s Kimberley region will be more resilient to future floods and storms, with the Albanese and Cook Governments investing $104.9 million in a betterment program for flood-impacted infrastructure.

Jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the Infrastructure Betterment Program is the first of its kind in Western Australia.

Essential public road infrastructure damaged by January’s record-breaking flooding following ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie is being rebuilt to a stronger, more resilient standard intended to better withstand future natural disasters.

The new Fitzroy River Bridge, which was officially opened today, was the first completed project, with upgrades to damaged sections of the Great Northern Highway and Gibb River Road also underway. The program will also support the betterment of impacted local government road networks to safeguard against future natural hazards.

Betterment works will decrease the repetitious damage to flood-prone essential public assets and lower future reconstruction costs, saving money for all levels of government and alleviating disruption to the community in the long term.

Works undertaken through the Infrastructure Betterment Program will complement the estimated $450 million repair and rebuild works underway on flood-damaged roads and bridges – also jointly funded by both governments.

The Albanese and Cook Governments are committed to investing in rebuilding flood-impacted roads, bridges and floodways to withstand the impacts of future natural hazards in the Kimberley.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:

“In less than 12 months since the devastating flooding event cut off communities, this betterment program is already seeing essential road infrastructure built back stronger and more resilient.

“The program is about helping to improve the public road network and other critical assets so communities aren’t impacted as severely when more frequent weather events strike.

“The Albanese Government will continue to work with the Cook Government to deliver disaster recovery funding initiatives when needed.” 

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“I welcome this Australian Government commitment to deliver upgrades like these to improve flood resilience, reliability and capacity for roads and bridges in the Kimberley region.

“This program is just another example of what can be achieved when federal and state governments work together to improve dependability and safety for all road users and I’m pleased to see upgrades from this program already in use.”

Quotes attributable to WA Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson:

“The upgrades will not only help reduce future impacts on communities in the Kimberley region, but also reduce the costs of recovery when the next natural hazard occurs.

“This is the first betterment program of its kind in Western Australia and we welcome the Australian Government’s co-investment.

“The Cook Government will continue to support flood-affected communities and advocate for what they need to be better prepared and recover quicker from natural disasters.”

Quotes attributable to WA Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti:

“The Kimberley floods were absolutely devastating, but to see infrastructure rebuilt to a stronger standard so they can withstand future severe weather events will be absolutely critical to the region’s resilience.

“I want to thank the Federal Government for their engagement and financial support on key projects like the new Fitzroy River Bridge, which is bigger and strong than the original bridge and will open to traffic this Sunday, only seven months after the old bridge was demolished.”