$1.8 million to build resilience in Rockhampton region

The Palaszczuk Government has committed more than $1.8 million to Rockhampton Regional Council towards additional drainage infrastructure to increase the region’s resilience to flooding.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the project will improve the flood immunity of Rockhampton, especially in the city’s north – an area where flooding is particularly severe.

“Rockhampton has a long history of flooding, with significant flood events in 1991, 2011, 2013, 2015, and again last year as a result of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“Following Tropical Cyclone Marcia in 2015, Rockhampton Regional Council undertook investigations into flooding associated with local creek catchments and overland flow paths.

“The research identified the need for mitigation works, to reduce the level of risk to people, properties and public infrastructure.

“In response to this, our government is committing more than $1.8 million so council can deliver an alternative pathway for stormwater to increase the flood immunity of public infrastructure and surrounding properties.

“Additional drainage systems will be constructed along Wackford Street to Haynes Street, and in surrounding streets.

“While we can’t always predict when disaster will strike, the Wackford Street Drainage Scheme will at least ensure Rockhampton is one step ahead when it comes to flood response, recovery and reconstruction.”

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the additional funding would strengthen the resilience of local roads and surrounding communities.

“While Rockhampton is home to resilient communities who are all too familiar with natural disasters, it’s vital our public infrastructure can withstand severe weather events to support quick recovery,” Mr Dick said.

“Rockhampton Regional Council has identified the Wackford Street Drainage Scheme as a priority project for the region, and the Palaszczuk Government is proud to contribute 50 per cent of the final project funding.

“A key priority of our government is keeping communities safe, and the funding allocated to Rockhampton Regional Council for this project shows we’re delivering on that commitment.

“We will continue to help Queenslanders prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster as part of the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience, as we work towards making Queensland the most disaster-resilient state in Australia.”

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561