Spilled cement creates big mess

Workers clean up the cement that spilled onto Oakbridge Cr at Peregian Springs.

Darryn Smith

MORE than two cubic metres of cement was spilt over 300m along Peregian Springs streets last Friday.

Cement from a Hanson mixer truck, destined for a house under construction in the area, left clumps and streaks of cement smeared across Penina Cl, Gainsborough Crs and Oakbridge Way.

It left the roads undriveable, according to some residents.

Gainsborough Crs couple Emma Elliot and Peter Vise returned from their walk at 6.45am to find their street in a messy state.

"I can't go to work when the street's like this," Ms Elliot said.

"I've got a new BMW and I don't want to risk damaging it by driving over the cement.

"It's scary to think what might have happened if it rained like last week after the spill, it would back up the stormwater drains even more."

Mr Vise, who works in construction, said it would have been "very easy" for the driver to have not realised what he was doing.

"All it takes is the press of button," he said.

Some residents came out with brooms, sponges and buckets after the morning spill to clear the front of their driveways and wash down cars that had cement splattered on them.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokeswoman said after being alerted to the spill at 7.50am, they sent a bobcat and truck to scrape up the wet cement.

They took one hour, while a council street sweeper stayed nearly two hours collecting dust and remaining material.

"Hanson assisted with the clean-up. Council will determine the costs associated with the clean-up in relation to time and machinery and are expected to recover the cost of the clean-up," the spokeswoman said.