In roads and drainage we have a team of four full time staff. In addition to road re-sheeting and maintenance grading, every week we remove roadkill, install and replace signs and guideposts, clean up fallen trees when the wind blows. We also patch potholes year-round, repair edges, perform drainage, and maintain bridges. These dedicated Works Officers also help across the span of Works and Services on Flinders Council that include Cemetery duties and emergency repairs to boat ramps and other infrastructure as required. 

The team have been busy delivering the annual works program which is on track for completion by the end of the financial year. To date we have completed 12 km of road re-sheeting. In addition 4200m of road drainage has been completed on Trousers Point Road and this work includes culvert head clearing and replacement. In the next two months further drainage work will be carried out on Plana Road and West End Road. 

You will have noticed the graders are busy when it rains substantially.  

Gravel roads are an essential part of rural and remote infrastructure, providing access for homes, farms, and industries. However, keeping them in good condition requires regular maintenance grading—using a grader to smooth out ruts, washboards, and potholes. One key factor that makes this process effective is moisture in the road surface. 

The Role of Moisture in Grading 

When a road is too dry, the gravel and fine particles that hold it together become loose and dusty. If a grader tries to smooth out a dry road, the material simply crumbles or blows away, rather than reshaping properly. This results in a rough, unstable surface that will quickly develop more ruts and corrugations. 

On the other hand, when there’s moisture in the road, the fine particles (like clay and silt) act as a natural binder, helping the gravel hold its shape. This allows the grader to redistribute material evenly and create a smooth, compacted surface that resists erosion and wear. 

The Best Conditions for Grading 

The ideal time to grade a gravel road is after a light rain, when moisture has soaked in but the road isn’t muddy. This ensures that the road material stays together, improving both the process and the final result. If there hasn’t been any rain, water trucks can be used, as they often are elsewhere to add moisture before grading. Unfortunately, due to the extended dry conditions and the nature of our Island environment, suitable water sources in close proximity to the required roads are not available or viable given the volume of water required.  

The Benefits of Moisture in Grading 

•    Reduces Dust & Material Loss – Moisture helps keep fine particles on the road instead of blowing away. 
•    Improves Compaction – A properly graded road with some moisture will compact better, making it more durable. 
•    Creates a Smoother Surface – The grader can shape the road more effectively, reducing future maintenance needs. 
•    Prevents Corrugations & Potholes – A well-maintained, compacted road is less likely to develop rough spots. 

Moisture is a crucial element in maintaining gravel roads. Without it, grading is ineffective and can even make conditions worse. Upcoming works include maintenance grading on Palana Road, Coast Road, North East River and Trousers Point. This will occur as soon as we receive sufficient rainfall to allow for grading work to commence. We have also extensive roadside vegetation control scheduled along with re-sheeting in Killiecrankie, complimenting the drainage works undertaken there last year. 

Please drive to the conditions and observe road works signage.