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The notoriously treacherous stretch of road which floods quickly whenever there is significant rainfall, is now open to a community petition which is set to appeal for works to urgently commence after another lengthy wet season.
Hamilton Plains is the main arterial road which connects the townships of Airlie Beach and Proserpine, cutting the entire population of the Greater Airlie Beach off from both the local hospital and airport whenever it floods, which is several times a year.
In 2019 a total of $21 million, jointly funded by the Federal and State Government, was allocated to establish flood immunity For Hamilton Plains.
Transport and Main Roads approved the design phase of the project in June last year, with plans to raise the road levels and increase culvert capacity to enable flood waters to drain away more easily and quickly.
Despite the plans and funding in-place, there has been no movement on the upgrades, a hold-up that infuriates local Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP.
“We’ve had another wet season whereby the residents of the Whitsundays have once again felt the impacts of Hamilton Plains flooding, delaying emergency services, families, students and tourists from their daily activities,” Ms Camm stated.
“Every day that passes with the delay of this project delivers nothing but inconvenience, economic loss and puts our community at risk.
“I am calling on the Whitsunday community to send the Government a message because regional roads matter and deserve to be a priority.”
Ms Camm asks residents to sign a petition to show their support for upgrades and express their main concerns.
Residents are encouraged to visit nodelays.com.au to complete a short online form.
Alternatively, Ms Camm is now holding mobile offices across the electorate so the community can have their say on Hamilton Plains and other issues important to them.
Mobile Offices
Lumos Café
Friday April 12
11am -12pm
Centro (Whit Plaza)
Saturday April 13
9am – 1pm
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP is calling for upgrades to begin on Hamilton Plains flood immunity. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
