Parts of Bundaberg will be better protected from future flooding thanks to $174.7 million in funding for the Bundaberg East Levee project announced as part of the Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Fund Round One this week.
The project’s concept design – developed with community consultation in 2018 – will help mitigate future flood damage within the Bundaberg East, Bundaberg South and Bundaberg CBD precincts.
It involves construction of a 1.7km concrete levee in two main sections parallel to the southern bank of the Burnett River as well as floodgates, flood doors and pump stations across Saltwater Creek and an unnamed creek known locally as ‘Distillery Creek’.
The levee was the most beneficial of four options identified under the 10-year Bundaberg Action Plan as able to help reduce the risk of flood devastation such as that experienced following ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald in 2013 and the significant rainfall and flooding early last year.
“The severe rainfall and flooding in January 2013 remains a significant and traumatic disaster for many families and businesses right throughout the Bundaberg Region,” said Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor, Jack Dempsey.
“The East Bundaberg flood levee was identified as Council’s number one disaster mitigation priority and we thank the State and Federal Governments for this major funding commitment, which is something we have been advocating for.
“The levee will protect hundreds of homes, major industries and the CBD without increasing flood impacts in other areas.
“The next phase of consultation will be the chance for our community to consider exactly how we leverage this project to deliver a legacy for generations to come.”
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO, Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) said the levee will be a shining example of flood-resilient infrastructure and a valuable, long-term asset for this wonderful region.
“One of our main functions at the Queensland Reconstruction Authority is to strengthen disaster risk reduction and resilience in local councils and communities such as Bundaberg and regions like the Wide Bay-Burnett,” he said.
“This includes supporting the delivery of infrastructure to manage flood risk, so communities are better prepared for and protected against the impacts of natural disasters.
“We can’t stop floods, cyclones and severe storms from happening, but we can and will keep working to strengthen disaster resilience in Queensland.”
