New West Creek channel works improve flood resilience

Toowoomba’s CBD will be better protected during the upcoming wet season thanks to the $5 million upgrade to West Creek channel.

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham (Friday 9 September) inspected the completed works as part of a visit to Toowoomba today.

“No-one wants to see a repeat of the devastation caused by the floods of 2011,” Dr Lynham said.

“These works will improve public safety, protect roads and rail connectivity and make Toowoomba a more flood-resilient community.”

The West Creek channel project, along with other works upstream and downstream, will increase the flow capacity and reduce flooding at the major Herries Street road crossing.

The Queensland Government provided $5 million towards the project to build a six-span railway bridge and the recently completed channel works near the corner of Dent and Herries streets.

Dr Lynham said detailed design was underway and construction due to commence this month on the $6.8 million Steger Road Infrastructure Enabling Project, co-funded by the Palaszczuk Government under its $375 million Building our Regions regional infrastructure program.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises regional communities are the backbone of our economy,” he said.

“Critical infrastructure like the Steger Road project will help generate local jobs and business opportunities by supporting the Toowoomba Enterprise Hub,” he said.

“Steger Road is one of 21 projects already underway or completed out of 42 funded across Queensland under Round 1 of our Building our Regions program,” he said.

“Eleven projects have been funded across the south-west, including half-million-dollar redevelopment projects at the Birdsville Caravan Park and Thargomindah airport, and $3 million worth of flood mitigation measures at Roma.

“The Steger Road project will support 20 jobs alone and provide a critical infrastructure and utilities link to service the Toowoomba Enterprise Hub, one of Queensland’s largest industrial one of Queensland’s largest industrial zones.”

Dr Lynham said his department was currently assessing applications for Round 2 of the Building our Regions program—including three Toowoomba Regional Council projects.

While in Toowoomba Dr Lynham will also attend Toowoomba and Surat Business Enterprise’s quarterly catch-up at City Hall to meet local business leaders.

For more information on Building our Regions visit http://statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/buildingourregions

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Date:                          9 September 2016

Media contact:           Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389