Roma set to rise above another flood

A 5.2 kilometre-long earthen levee that could protect 500 homes and businesses in Roma from the devastation of another flood is nearing completion, delivering on the Government’s election promises.

Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said the project was a great example of the work he hoped to see replicated around the state.

“Different locations need different infrastructure including levees, drainage upgrades, retention basins and back-flow devices that will make Queensland communities safer,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Last week we called for Expressions of Interest from councils for nearly $47 million worth of projects to defend communities against flooding.

“This Government is determined to deliver better infrastructure, as we promised, to build a stronger, more resilient Queensland. It’s great to see a safer, more resilient Roma being created.”

The levee, which is expected to be finished next month, runs from north of the Roma airport, crosses the Carnarvon Highway to traverse the eastern side of the town and follows Bungil Creek, ending above Lovell Street.

Two more concrete walls will eventually fill in the gaps.

Member for Warrego Howard Hobbs said the levee was a victory for common sense.

“We promised at the last election to deliver better planning and the Roma levee is a showcase of what we can achieve when communities and the state work together,” Mr Hobbs said.

The Maranoa Regional Council is now working on Stage Two, which involves a 1.6 kilometre levee, diversion channel improvements and local flood mitigation measures.

Stage One, or the larger levee, will cost about $16 million with the bulk of funding coming from State programs such as Royalties for the Regions and Local Government Grants and Subsidies.

Minister Crisafulli also inspected work on the Roma Community Hub, which will house 10 offices and meeting rooms to bring together the social and community services provided by Council, State and Federal Governments, and non-government organisations.

The project has been funded by a $500,000 State Local Government grant, $500,000 each from Santos and Origin, and $872,145 from Council.

[ENDS] 12 March 2014                                           Media contact: Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627