State invests in Bundaberg flood defences

Hard hit Bundaberg will be better protected and more flood resilient after the Newman Government announced nearly $2.4 million flood funding for the region.

Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said in Bundaberg today the funding would go towards two separate levees, one adjacent to Technology Park and the other between Batchlers and Mt Perry roads. There will also be major stabilisation work to protect the CBD.

“Bundaberg Regional Council has drawn a line after the last floods and now has a state government that will work with them to build the infrastructure that will make this community safer,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“We all recognise that you can’t stop floods, but we can do a better job at avoiding some of the damage.”

The North Bundaberg levee adjacent to Technology Park will prevent breakout flooding from the Burnett River and the second, further to the north, will prevent backwater inundation.

The levees have been planned to protect many homes, commercial and industrial properties.

The second project will see $1.5 million of vital work to protect the CBD by stabilising a badly eroded section of the Burnett River.

The Midtown Marina was only just getting back on its feet after the 2011 floods when it was smashed by the January floods. Landslips have now taken a large chunk of the riverbank.

This project will build a wall and backfill to reclaim the riverbank, previously popular with walkers.

Council will also receive $82,405 for flood studies of the Lower Burnett River and lower Kolan River and Gin Gin Creek catchments.

Bundaberg MP Jack Dempsey said the projects were necessary to provide a better protected future.

“We can’t flood-proof Bundaberg but we want to take a long term approach to making it less vulnerable,” Mr Dempsey said.

“We’re working hard to get the Bundaberg and surrounding communities back on track to ensure they come back bigger and better than ever.”

[ENDS] 29 August 2013 

Media contact: Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627 or Danny Donald 0439 719 116