US expert joins Minister to inspect potential Bundaberg East levee site

US engineering expert Mike Schmidt today joined Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey to inspect a potential site for the Bundaberg East Levee ahead of community information sessions on 6 June.

Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said this was a great opportunity for locals to hear from a world-renowned engineer about the next project in the Bundaberg 10-year Action Plan.

“Whole areas of Bundaberg were devastated by major flooding in 2013, and having met with affected residents, I’ve heard first-hand how it affected them,” he said.

“The Premier has also visited Bundaberg to meet with locals who bore the brunt of flooding, and committed to assisting with future flood mitigation efforts.

“The purpose of these sessions is to offer as much information as possible to the community and listen to any feedback.

“Having someone of Mike’s expertise on-hand will certainly help answer any questions the community may have about the Bundaberg East Levee proposal.

“This project is designed to mitigate the effects of a major natural disaster and increase protection from flooding from the Burnett River within Bundaberg East, South and the CBD.

“It’s important we have as many people as possible at the community sessions because so that we get outcomes that best reflect the views of local residents.

“We will also be holding an invitation only briefing session for owners directly along the proposed levee alignment with Mr Schmidt and the project team.”

Mike Schmidt is a Senior Vice President with worldwide engineering firm CDM Smith.

He has 34 years’ experience in flood control and design and has managed or directed more than 300 stormwater and water resource management programs across 31 US states and eight countries.

He has guided the implementation of over $1 billion of multi-benefit, capital improvements such as levees.

“Our team has been in Bundaberg and are very aware of the extent of flooding and the critical local issues,” Mr Schmidt said.

“We have evaluated a range of options to mitigate flooding and have drawn on our experience in the US and other countries to produce a design for the Bundaberg East Levee which also represents best international practice,” Mr Schmidt said.

“I am looking forward to meeting with the people of Bundaberg and answering any questions.”

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed Mr Schmidt’s expertise.

“It is important that we get the flood mitigation of Bundaberg right. It is encouraging that we have someone with Mr Schmidt’s experience helping to deliver the best for our region,” Mr Dempsey said.

Details for the community information sessions for the Bundaberg East Levee project are:

DATE:           Wednesday 6 June

TIME:           10am – 1pm and 4pm – 7pm

WHERE:        Bundaberg Business Enterprise Centre

            Cnr Quay and Tantitha Streets

                    Bundaberg Central

No decisions have been made about any of the options but community feedback will help guide the next stage of finalising designs and costings, before any further decisions are made. For more information visit www.qld.gov.au/bundabergactionplan

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548