Over 50% of Cyclone Jasper Recovery Works Completed as $40 Million Recovery Plan Progresses

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Published
1st April 2025

Recovery efforts across the Cassowary Coast continue to make impressive strides, with more than 50% of the recovery works from Tropical Cyclone Jasper now complete.

While a year has passed since the cyclone, this significant progress highlights the dedication and hard work of the contractors, recovery teams, and community partners involved in the recovery process.

The $40 million recovery plan, supported by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), aims to rebuild vital infrastructure that was severely damaged during the storm.

With the support of the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), Cassowary Coast Regional Council has worked closely with Shepherd Services to oversee this large-scale recovery project.

Key Highlights of Recovery Progress:

  • Over 2,500 defects have been identified across the region’s road network, with 80% of the unsealed roads requiring improvement.
  • To address these repairs, 140,000 cubic metres of gravel equivalent to 56 Olympic-sized swimming pools is needed to restore roads and infrastructure.
  • Works have progressed steadily, with 1,453 defects already repaired, including grading, drainage, culverts, and floodway restoration to ensure safe and reliable infrastructure.

While the recovery is set to continue for the next year, the commitment to restoring vital infrastructure remains a top priority. Council continues to work closely with contractors and the community to ensure efficient and coordinated efforts.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper has been enduring for Far North communities, and the Australian Government is committed to supporting the region recover and rebuild. 

“Local governments like Cassowary Coast Council have done a remarkable job supporting their communities and rebuilding vital infrastructure,” Minister McAllister said.

“To have completed more than half of the recovery works in just over a year is testament to the hard work of so many and the spirit of the Cassowary Coast community.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy said Cassowary Coast’s reconstruction milestone shows north Queenslanders are getting their lives back on track.

“It’s been a colossal effort since Jasper to reach this point and it’s thanks to the hard work of council, local contractors, and the wider community,” Minister Leahy said.

“Although there’s still a way to go until full recovery is achieved, with support from all levels of government we’ll get the job done.”

To keep residents and stakeholders informed, a delivery summary report will be uploaded monthly to council’s Your Say engagement site highlighting completed and planned works.

For more information or to stay up to date with the progress of recovery works visit www.yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/DRFA-Recovery or contact council at 1300 763 903.

These works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the DRFA.

Image: Supplied by IMEC