POST-CYCLONE WATERWAYS PROJECT ON TRACK IN FNQ

A two-year project to clear Far North Queensland waterways of potentially harmful Cyclone Larry debris has already prevented serious damage in a number of coastal shires.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said the $4 million Waterway Debris Removal Project had reached its halfway mark with most vital works completed before the start of the 2007 Wet Season.

"The department has made good progress with this program, removing debris from the most high risk locations in Cairns, Eacham, Cardwell and Johnstone council areas before February 2007," Mr Wallace said.

"The timing couldn't have been better because within weeks many of these areas experienced a further declared natural disaster flooding event.

"Without the work done by the debris removal project there would undoubtedly have been major losses to infrastructure, homes and business."

Mr Wallace said Cyclone Larry had deposited unusually large amounts of debris into northern streams and waterways.

"Our concern was that during another flooding event the debris would cause flooding of some residences, erode banks and river crossings, and in some cases cause streams to change course," he said.

"By removing the worst of the debris before the Wet Season we've prevented that from happening and saved these communities further financial and emotional stress."

The following work has been completed:

·Eacham Shire: Removal of cyclone Larry waterway debris from the North Johnstone River at Duncan Brown Bridge.

·Cairns City: Removal of cyclone Larry waterway debris in the Mulgrave River and smaller tributaries of the Russell River.

·Johnstone Shire: Removal of cyclone Larry waterway debris from smaller creeks in the Mena Creek and Silkwood areas.

·Cardwell Shire: Removal of cyclone Larry waterway debris from Jarra Creek and its tributaries.

Mr Wallace said the debris removal project had been forced to slow down during the Wet Season, but had re-started now there was some finer weather.

"There is still some debris removal and mulching to be done on the Atherton Tableland and in coastal areas that did not experience significant flooding," he said.

"Shire Councils and Trusts are also gearing up for the project’s $250,000 re-vegetation program to replace native trees at some damaged sites."

The Preventative Waterway Debris Removal Project is co-ordinated by the Department of Natural Resources and Water in partnership with river improvement trusts and local governments.