Published Friday, 06 July, 2007 at 05:19 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
RIVERBANK STABILISATION TO PROTECT INNISFAIL STUDENTS
Work has begun on a $1.2 million dry-season project to stabilise eroded river banks bordering the boundary of a far North Queensland primary school.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said any further deterioration of the banks of the Johnstone River bordering Innisfail East State School could potentially pose a danger to students and school property.
“Although the eroded sections of riverbank are not on State Government property, we are providing full project funding because of our concern for the safety of students and the need to protect school property,” Mr Welford said.
“North Queensland experiences heavy rain during wet season rains, and heavy floodwaters have done a lot of damage to the riverbanks, so this is a very important project, from both a safety and environmental aspect.
“It was necessary to complete this restoration project during the dry season, before the rains started again.”
Mr Welford said the project involves the design and construction of a 140-metre retaining wall, using suitable quarry rock transported from nearby Edmonton.
Member for Mulgrave, Warren Pitt, welcomed the project which will help protect the Innisfail East State School.
“This has been an important issue for the school community and I’m pleased that our Government has taken the initiative to find a long-term solution,” Mr Pitt said.
“However, it would have been better if the local council had fulfilled its responsibilities years ago and dealt with the erosion when it first occurred, rather than letting it get to this drastic situation.
“The construction of the retaining wall will help stop any further erosion and ensure the school remains safe.”
The stabilisation project was designed in consultation with experts from the Department of Natural Resources and Water and the Johnstone Shire River Improvement Trust.
The project is due to be completed by November. The stabilised riverbanks will then be placed in the care of the Johnstone Shire River Improvement Trust.