Case studies: Betterment in action
QRA's Betterment case studies demonstrate how the following projects have provided benefits for Queensland communities and success in relation to avoided costs from subsequent disaster events.
Betterment case studies
These Betterment works will keep Dalby connected with the greater Western Downs region under all extreme weather conditions, safeguarding local industry and the Queenslanders who rely on it.
Completed in January 2025, the works also strengthened the subgrade and batters to improve resilience during periods of inundation.
Castlereagh Highway is now better able to withstand severe weather events, reducing future impacts on communities and road users.
Already the bridge has proven a game-changer for nearby residents, remaining accessible and maintaining connectivity during heavy rains in December 2024.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads commenced reconstruction works in August 2023 to replace the old steel culvert with a larger, stronger and more flood-resilient concrete culvert.
Roadworks to repair a key transport route on the Darling Downs took unexpected turns courtesy of two unlikely sources, unsuitable soil and an endangered lizard.
A total of 36 Flood Tuff units have now been manufactured for deployment at 29 sites across TMR's metropolitan region during future flood events.
Repair works included the installation of concrete margins on the road shoulders and rock protection around culvert outlets to make the road more resilient to future flood events.
Betterment of the Gayndah Mundubbera Road has avoided more than $47.4 million in costs over 7 disaster events.
Betterment of the Aurukun Access Road has avoided costs of more than $8.6 million over 10 disaster events.
Betterment of various projects in the Somerset region has avoided more than $13.6 million in costs over 3 disaster events.
Betterment of Villis Bridge in the Scenic Rim has avoided costs of $11.1 million over 6 disaster events.
Betterment of the Gayndah Water Intake has avoided more than $10.8 million in avoided costs over 4 disaster events.
Betterment of Upper Mount Bentley Road in Palm Island has avoided more than $1.7 million in costs over 5 disaster events.
Betterment of Inverdon Bridge in the Whitsunday region has avoided costs of more than $10.5 million over 2 disaster events.
Betterment of Weipa-Mapoon Road has avoided costs of more than $5.6 million over 6 disaster events.
Betterment of Gordonbrook Dam in the South Burnett has avoided costs of more than $7.4million over 2 disaster events.
Betterment of Richmond Road, Croydon Shire, has avoided more than $9.8 million over 6 disaster events.