New approach for Burdekin and Haughton flood resilience

A new resilience strategy developed in partnership with eight local governments will help make communities in the Burdekin and Haughton catchments more resilient to flooding.

The Burdekin and Haughton Flood Resilience Strategy was funded through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) $242 million Category C and D package for the 2019 North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough.

Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the strategy would increase community capacity in the face of major flood events.

“The Burdekin and Haughton catchments are home to approximately 110,000 people across almost 39,000 properties, stretching from Alpha in the south all the way up the Atherton Tablelands in the north,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This strategy is about being prepared and an excellent example of cooperation between the Australian and Queensland governments.

“We’ll never be able eradicate disasters, but we can always ensure we are better prepared for when they strike.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said the strategy was developed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority in partnership with the eight local governments of the Burdekin and Haughton River catchments and other key stakeholders.

“As the most disaster-impacted state in Australia, it’s crucial that we work together to improve the resilience of communities across Queensland to help create a safer, stronger and more resilient Queensland,” Minister Miles said.

“Examples from the strategy include pre-planning for post-disaster recovery and working with camping and caravan park operators to ensure they have appropriate emergency plans in place.”

Charters Towers Regional Council Mayor Frank Beveridge said it was important that all stakeholders within the catchment worked together for future flooding events.

“None of us operate in isolation, a flood at the back of Ingham affects Charters Towers and the Burdekin Shire, so it’s important that we work as one to prepare for and respond to these types of events,” Mayor Beveridge said.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the strategy presented a shared vision of flood resilience for the region.

“The strategy is our guide to how locally led and regionally coordinated resilience solutions will help address recent and emerging disaster risks and provide pathways for improving resilience over time,” Mayor McLaughlin said.

Implementation of the strategy will be overseen by the following eight project partner councils: Barcaldine Regional Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Charters Towers Regional Council, Isaac Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council, Tablelands Regional Council, Townsville City Council and Whitsunday Regional Council.

For more information visit: www.qra.qld.gov.au/burdekin-haughton

Media contacts:

• Douglas Ferguson 0455 448 985 (Minister Littleproud)
• Amy Hunter 0423 651 484 (Deputy Premier Miles)