Flood protection to boost Burdekin businesses

Ayr’s town centre will have stronger flood defences with upgrades to the stormwater drainage network through the Newman Government’s record investment in flood and disaster mitigation projects to protect Queensland communities.

Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said the project would greatly improve the way stormwater is directed away from homes and businesses in the CBD.

“Even minor rainfall can cause significant flooding in town and these upgrades will reduce the number of homes and businesses currently at risk by about 50 per cent,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Locals have been calling for the problem to be fixed for many years and we are delivering.”

The project includes the construction of a combination of reinforced concrete box culverts and open concrete lined drains to carry stormwater from residential and commercial catchments in Spiller, Queen and Graham Streets to the town drain in MacMillan Street.

The Newman Government is contributing $320,000 towards the $800,000 project.

Burdekin MP Rosemary Menkens said the project would provide welcome relief to local residents.

“The works will be a great financial boost to our local community through jobs and by making properties more flood resilient insurance companies should begin to reduce their premiums,” Mrs Menkens said.

“The Burdekin district has seen a steady flow of funding from the Newman Government towards common sense infrastructure to strengthen and protect our community.”

Mr Crisafulli said the works should have happened a long time ago, but Labor had no plan or policies for Queensland.

“Our strong plan to protect Queensland communities means we are working with local councils to protect and prepare homes and livelihoods,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Queenslanders have been pushed to the brink in the past few years and we are doing everything we can to not only protect them but make them stronger.

“Disasters can strike at any time but the Newman Government’s strong plan to protect communities for the long term will ensure a brighter future for all Queenslanders.”

 [ENDS] 19 June 2014

Media Contact: Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627