Unauthorised roadworks warning

Southern Downs Regional Council is reminding local residents that all roadworks on council owned roads must be authorised by the council.
The notice comes as the council last week found a section on a local road that had been subject to unauthorised roadworks by a person or persons unknown.
Chief executive officer Rod Ferguson said the illegal roadworks had made the road quite dangerous and forced the council to take remedial action, which is costing ratepayers.
“Whoever did this used the wrong sort of material, the construction was inappropriate and it doesn’t meet current Australian standards,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Very poor gravel of cricket-ball-size or larger has been placed on the road, creating dangerous hazards for vehicles,” he said.
“It is both a safety issue and a liability issue, and is against the law,” Mr Ferguson said.
He said this was the third time in 12 months that the council had found illegal roadworks on council roads.
“We understand that there can be frustrations with roads, which are in poor condition, and there are quite a few roads in need of repair.
“The council is working to repair roads and has applied for additional flood recovery funding for roads.
“However, the extent of flood damage to the road network means it will take a long time for all damage to be addressed, and has also diverted resources from the  standard road maintenance program. We ask people to be patient.
“Residents must note that it is illegal to conduct unauthorised work on the council road network,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Only the council’s authorised officers can assess road damage and approve of road repairs to be undertaken,” he said.
“We will investigate any illegal roadworks and, where appropriate, take legal action.
“Residents can apply to the council for operational works on a road and in some cases can be authorised by the council to carry out the work under the supervision of a council engineer.”
Contact the council on
(07) 4661 0300 if you have any queries.