A SMALL section of Spring Creek Rd will receive a $2.2 million makeover later this month after a recent landslip damaged the road.

But while the works are important, residents and businesses will be forced to take a lengthy detour via White Swamp Rd and the treacherous Mt Lindesay Rd to travel to and from Killarney.

Killarney tourism operator Louise Brosnan said the closure would mean an extra half an hour travel for locals and tourists alike, with the four-week upgrade starting July 22.

"It also forces more traffic onto the Mt Lindesay Rd, and we all know what a dangerous road that is," Ms Brosnan said.

"It's really not an ideal situation. It cuts off the major route into the tourism businesses."

Warwick Chamber of Commerce president David Littleproud also expressed concern over the effects to tourism businesses.

"The road is an important tourist route not only supporting businesses on the road but also as a popular tourist route to Killarney and Warwick," Mr Littleproud said.

The section of road, 12km north east of Queen Mary Falls, will be blocked off in both directions for about a month from July 22, Member for Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg confirmed.

"The road will be closed for four weeks, weather permitting and works will continue under stop/go conditions once it re-opens," Mr Springborg said.

"Continued wet weather has caused significant damage to Spring Creek Rd in recent years, including this landslip in an area known as The Head, 19km from the intersection with Warwick-Killarney Rd."

Mr Springborg said the expensive project will include the drilling and installation of piles on the downhill side of the road to stabilise the embankment and allow the surface to be rebuilt to full width.

Some residents like Neil Peterson, owner of Oakley Bed and Breakfast on Condamine River Rd, are skeptical of whether the works will be completed in the proposed four weeks.

"These road works could go on for months, we can't be sure," Mr Peterson said.

"You never know with these things. They said they waited for the dry season to start the works but it's still pretty wet around here."

Mr Peterson also expressed his concerns for local residents and businesses.

"I do wonder how it will affect the businesses. It's going to be hard for us as the road to Boonah is closed as well.

"I have to give customers directions when they make a booking so they know where to go.

"We shouldn't lose business, we just have to make sure everyone knows how to get here."

While he is confident his business won't be negatively affected, Mr Peterson spoke of how residents were unhappy with the closure.

"Our only access is through White Swamp Rd and you couldn't call that a reliable road by any means. It's a pretty big inconvenience," he said.

He said he was happy the road was being fixed, however it could have been better planned.

"They could have at least waited until the road from Boonah was open before they cut another road off," Mr Peterson said.

Ms Brosnan also added that she felt the decision was made in haste without much thought to the residents.

"I definitely want a permanent fix and I'm glad something is being done but it really hasn't been managed well," she said.

Residents are also worried there is no signage to suggest the possible detours around the works, with electronic signs simply saying "seek alternate route".

Ms Brosnan said tourists who aren't familiar with the area won't know the correct way to go, which could potentially cause problems for the businesses along the road.

Tourists travelling from Killarney will have full access to the falls, however those travelling from Boonah will be forced to take the lengthy detour.

One business owner who is not concerned is Spring Creek Café owner Bev Ruskey, who says that she does not anticipate business slowing down.

"The works are happening below us so we won't be cut off. It will be business as usual for us," Ms Ruskey said.

"It will be a bit more of a detour but we can't do anything about that. Hopefully people keep supporting us."

Mr Springborg explained there was no way around the road closure, as the section of road is on a steep slope surrounded by dense rainforest.

"While the temporary closure is an inconvenience, I thank the public in advance for their patience during the construction process," Mr Springborg said.

Two alternate routes are available that drivers can take during the road closure:

From the Cunningham Highway, turn left onto Freestone Rd and follow "Queen Mary Falls" tourist signage.

Alternatively, drivers can travel from Boonah via White Swamp Rd and Mt Lindesay Rd through northern NSW, following Killarney directional signage, before turning onto Spring Creek Rd from the Warwick-Killarney Rd.

For up-to-date information on changed traffic conditions, please visit http://www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.