Sunshine Coast Council partnered with SHEPHERD to assess widespread flood damage caused by the Western Queensland Surface Trough event in March 2025. Covering 595 kilometres of sealed and unsealed roads, this project demonstrates SHEPHERD’s ability to respond quickly, operate at scale, and support large councils through complex DRFA requirements.
The Challenge
The March 2025 rainfall and flooding event caused widespread damage across Sunshine Coast’s road network, triggering the need for urgent assessment to meet DRFA submission deadlines. Council needed a delivery partner who could act fast, coordinate across departments, and build a compliant submission before government timeframes closed.
The Solution
SHEPHERD mobilised rapidly, targeting the most affected areas of the network for assessment. Using our RACAS® camera and DRFA defect logging tool, we surveyed 595 kilometres and recorded 2,103 defects across the region.
The project involved:
- Rapid field inspection of sealed and unsealed roads
- Manual culvert inspections and further on-ground investigation
- Pre- and post-event evidence capture for DRFA compliance
- Defect logging and damage estimation totalling $15.5 million in restoration works
- Drone deployment for damage assessment along the footpath and foreshore at Golden Beach, capturing critical visuals after the Bribie Island break through.
What We Did Differently and Why It Mattered
Thanks to early engagement by Council, SHEPHERD was able to assess and document damage as it occurred, before Emergent Works teams began repairs. This ensured evidence remained intact and compliant, setting Council up for fast-tracked DRFA approvals.
All assessments, evidence capture and submission preparation were completed in just 91 days, giving Council a clear path to deliver recovery works within funding deadlines and without additional burden to ratepayers.
Delivered in Partnership
SHEPHERD is proud to support Sunshine Coast Council in setting up a successful, self-delivered recovery program. This case study shows what’s possible when clear coordination, fast action, and trusted tools come together on a large, complex project.
