Boost for flood defences on the Sunshine Coast

Stormwater and drainage networks in three flood-prone areas of the Sunshine Coast will be bolstered through the Newman and Abbot Governments’ Natural Disaster Resilience Program to protect Queensland communities.

Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said the works in Alexandra Headland and Yandina would improve stormwater drainage and prevent more than 200 homes and businesses from being cut off by floodwaters.

“These are sensible projects that will deliver big results for locals who are sick of waiting for floodwaters to recede after heavy rain,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Council came forward with a plan to ease the pain for people living and working in these areas and we are delivering.”

Works include installing larger concrete culverts to improve stormwater drainage and flow at Okinja and Surf Roads in Alexandra Headland and improvements to the Ninderry Road floodway near Yandina to reduce flooding across the road.

The State and Federal Governments are contributing $926,500 towards the projects worth $1.8 million.

Federal Member for Fisher Mal Brough welcomed the funding.

“The flash flooding in Alexandra Headland brought home that we can all be vulnerable in natural disasters,” Mr Brough Said.

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,” he 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] 22 June 2014

Media Contact: Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627