Burke Developmental Road (Normanton – Dimbulah), flood resilience projects
The Queensland Government is improving flood resilience across Gulf communities after monsoonal flooding produced widespread impacts across the northern 2-thirds of Queensland in early 2023.
The 4 projects will deliver improved, raised road surfaces at various locations along the Burke Developmental Road between Normanton and Dunbar. This includes the Clark Creek culvert, 200km north of Normanton and the Mentana Creek culvert, 208km north of Normanton.
These culvert replacements will provide improved flood immunity and resilience at the 2 crossings, significantly reducing the time roads are closed due to flooding.
Works also include the construction of a new and sealed all-weather emergency airstrip near Dunbar that will connect this remote part of the Gulf to emergency services during long periods of road closures that cause months of isolation.
Benefits
- Improves safety
- Increases capacity
- Improves network efficiency
- Improves flood immunity
- Reduces travel time
- Reduces maintenance
Key features
- Raise road surfaces at various locations to improve flood immunity in low lying areas.
- Construct culverts at the Clark Creek and Mentana Creek crossings to improve flood immunity and access during wet weather events.
- Construct a new emergency airstrip near Dunbar to provide access during wet weather events and emergency situations.
Funding
The 4 projects are funded by the Queensland Government:
$4.5 million raising of formation along the Burke Developmental Road between Normanton and Dunbar at various locations. Construction commenced 29 May 2024 and was completed in late June 2025. Investment ID 2905093
$4.5 million Clark Creek culvert located 200km north of Normanton along the Burke Developmental Road. Construction commenced 15 October 2024 and was completed in December 2025. Investment ID 2905155
$3.8 million Mentana Creek culvert located 208km north of Normanton along the Burke Developmental Road. Construction commenced 1 May 2024 and was completed late in June 2025. Investment ID 2905095
$3.25 million construction of a new emergency airstrip near Dunbar. Construction is expected to commence in July 2026 and be completed by late 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting. Investment ID 2905154
- Total investment
- $16.05 million
- Queensland Government
- $16.05 million
Current status
Construction is commenced in May 2024 and is expected to be completed by late 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Burke Developmental Road (Normanton – Dimbulah), flood resilience projects location map
