Mackay will benefit from $5 million in funding for upgraded flood protection, delivered as part of the Albanese Government’s first Federal Budget handed down last week.
The project, co-funded by Mackay Regional Council, will extend the existing levee in and along the Pioneer River.
It will deliver the missing link in the existing flood levee, running from the eastern end of Maranark Avenue to the Ron Camm Bridge on the Bruce Highway at Mount Pleasant. This will reduce the risk of inundation impacting communities in North Mackay during estuarine flooding or storm surges.
This is a critical piece of infrastructure to future proof the Sugar City against the impacts of devastating natural disasters.
Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said he was pleased the Government was delivering on a key local election promise in its very first budget.
“I was lucky enough to join the Prime Minister when he made this commitment back in January, so it’s extra special to come back and fulfil that commitment now,” Minister Watt said.
“We know that Mackay is a flood-prone community, and there’s nothing that is going to change that. In fact, we’re likely to see more floods and more cyclones into the future. So it’s vital that all levels of government are looking at how we protect our people and minimise damage to homes, roads and public infrastructure.
“The Albanese Government has listened to local communities about what’s going to work best for them and is now delivering vital projects where they will have the greatest impact.
“Projects like this one have the capacity to protect lives and livelihoods during floods, while also helping to keep insurance premiums in check.”
The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring communities are better prepared for future disasters. That’s why the Government has introduced the new Disaster Ready Fund – a disaster mitigation program that will deliver up to a billion dollars for resilience projects across the country like evacuation centres, sea walls, cyclone shelters, fire breaks and telecommunications improvements over the next five years.
