Record applications for flood defence projects

Building levees, upgrading evacuation routes and better drainage solutions are just some of the projects in a record number of 174 applications received for the latest round of flood mitigation and resilience grants.

Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said applications had poured in from councils across the state determined to better protect their communities from future floods.

“We promised to work with local councils to roll out the biggest flood mitigation program in a generation,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“We also promised at the election to deliver better infrastructure and planning and we are delivering.

“After decades of inaction, the number of applications clearly shows councils are champing at the bit to take the necessary steps to protect their communities.

“Whatever the project, wherever the location, priority will be given to projects that are ready to go, offer good value for money and deliver lasting protection for locals.

“We are a Government with a strong plan for Queensland and we want to deliver projects that will benefit future generations.”

Funding applications have been received for more than 170 projects worth a combined total of nearly $547 million for this year’s flood funding program.

Applications include funding for 115 disaster mitigation infrastructure projects, 45 for natural hazard mapping including flood studies and 14 aimed at community preparedness.

Inspecting work on Cairns’ Moody Creek flood mitigation project, Mr Crisafulli said it was up to local councils to decide what flood mitigation options worked best for their area.

“This project combines a levee and a detention basin and will save up to 450 local home owners from the heartbreak of a one-in-20-year flood,” he said.

“Work on the levee is well underway and we will work with the Cairns Regional Council to ensure they finish the job.”

The successful projects will be announced in June.

[ENDS] 15 May 2014

Media Contact: Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627