International services provider Aurecon recently announced its appointment by the Gladstone Regional Council for a flood restoration project and construction management contract.

The company will also undertake a flood mitigation study for the Gympie Regional Council.

“Our solid reputation for not only assisting to rebuild our communities in the aftermath of floods but also for helping to relieve the impacts of floods on our communities has led to the appointments,” Aurecon water services manager Chris Russell said.

With extreme flooding in the region causing damage to road and drainage infrastructure, Aurecon will assist the Gladstone Regional Council with restoration work, expected to reach completion in November 2014 at a cost of $70 million.

"Aurecon has previously provided flood damage assessment, scoping, funding applications, tender documentation, tender assessment, procurement and construction management services for council, as required under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements,” Gladstone Regional Council engineering services spokesperson Councillor Rick Hansen said.

"Aurecon understands the background of previous projects, Queensland Reconstruction Authority and NDRRA requirements for funding and the specific requirements of construction within the NDRRA program.”

Aurecon project leader Kent Barnes agreed, stating that: “Our strong working relationship and collaborative approach, combined with our in-depth knowledge and skills on the ground, led council to appoint Aurecon again to assist in the restoration work caused by the 2013 flooding.”

The council last week approved a tender exemption request for Aurecon’s appointment to speed up the repair works.

In addition, Aurecon’s engagement by the Gympie Regional Council will see the company complete a flood mitigation study, identifying options to relieve the impacts of flooding on local businesses and residents.

“This is a strong endorsement of Aurecon’s flood plain management services and our proposal was very favourably supported at the highest level of council decision making” Aurecon water services technical director Trinity Graham said.

Aurecon’s flood mitigation study will gather information about the costs businesses encounter when they have floodwater through their property or when they are isolated from workers, customers or suppliers, helping develop a business case for flood mitigation works.

“The business case Aurecon develops for this study will be a critical planning tool for the Gympie Regional Council, helping them to leverage funding from the Queensland and Australian governments for critical flood plain infrastructure and mitigations,” Aurecon project leader Allan Charteris said.

“The tool will be adaptable for use by other councils in Queensland’s many flood-affected communities.”