Roma flood mitigation levee called in

The Deputy Premier has called in a development application for Stage 2 of a vital flood mitigation levee in Roma following requests from Maranoa Regional Council.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said it was important for the community that there was certainty around the lifesaving project.

“The proposed development is significant to the Roma community to ensure its safety ahead of future floods,” Ms Trad said.

“The Maranoa Regional Council recognises that Stage 2 is necessary to minimise the impact of future flooding in the area and if implemented, the western levee will reduce the impact on state and volunteer emergency services and reconstruction costs in the long term.

“By calling in the application, I will ensure a decision is reached efficiently and in a timely manner to give the community certainty around the project’s future.”

Ms Trad said the proposed development is of interest to the state as it affects the economy and the environment.

“The proposed development is also located within a floodplain. The local, state and federal governments have contributed significant amounts of funding to Stage 1 of the development which has already been completed,” Ms Trad said.

The council has already completed the Stage 1 levee and this has reduced the over-the-floor flood risk for about 490 properties.

According to the council, at least 55 additional buildings will be protected from over-the-floor flooding in extreme events if Stage 2 is fully implemented.

The Deputy Premier’s decision on the called in development application is due late 2016.

For more information about ministerial call ins visit: http://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/planning/development-assessment/ministerial-call-in.html

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942