Flinders Shire Council’s Road Gangs are responsible for the construction and maintenance of the region’s many roads.
Councillor Jane Charuba said she nominated the Road Gangs as high achievers for the great work they do under tough conditions.
“Council’s Road Gangs have limited resources to maintain our Shire’s roads, plus state roads as well.
“They have great programs in place to do this, so they need to be congratulated.”
Gavin Dennis is the Road Gang’s overseer and has been working with Council for 43 years.
“I started here as a labourer for five years, and was then promoted to grader operator for the next 17 years.
“I was then promoted as a construction supervisor for three years, and have been the works overseer for the last 18 years.”
Gavin said there are a lot of good people working in the Shire who are committed to making the region a better place.
“I have had team members who have been working for me for the last 18 years, and they are locals.
“We are always open to learn new things, always learn from our mistakes and always take pride in what we do.
“Ninety-nine percent of my construction workforce are locals, and we have the capability to deliver at least $25 million in capital works every year.
“We also use local contractors where needed, and they contribute a lot to the Shire and local community.”
Gavin said that during his time with council he has sealed around 60km of the Hann Highway, 53km of Prairie Muttaburra Road, and 9.5km of Old Richmond Rd.
“We are looking forward to complete the sealing on remaining unsealed sections of Hann Highway and Torrens Creek Aramac Road.
“We believe that these projects will be beneficial to our community and the northern regions as a whole.
“I believe the works will boost tourism, road transport heading south from Cairns and the Tablelands regions, and stabilise local economies.”
Gavin said that the Road Gangs do great work for the region.
“Our Shire have always received positive feedback for the work we complete and we are able to maintain good working relationships.”
Gavin said the Road Gangs face limited funding and tough climate conditions.
“For example during draught conditions it is hard to find water for construction, but still we have to complete the work with a minimal budget.
“However we are able to complete our work with community support, such as property owners helping us out with water.”
Currently the Road Gangs are working on the realignment and sealing of 4.3km of the Hann Highway, 3.6km of Old Richmond Road, 1km of concrete pathway with a 12m pedestrian bridge on Swanson Creek and the Hann Highway signage program.
