The Palaszczuk Government will begin public consultation on the $60 million South Rockhampton Flood Levee which is being fast tracked through a streamlined assessment process.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, said assessment of the project, which will provide flood mitigation for the Rockhampton community, is progressing via a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID).
“MIDs are an efficient, coordinated process used to assist the development of community infrastructure like schools, transmission lines and hospitals, and could enable the levee to be operational sooner,” Mr Dick said.
“No further development approvals will be required, however, the MID process ensures environmental assessment and community consultation still occurs.”
The proposed 8.7-kilometre levee will run from the Rockhampton CBD to the Bruce Highway at Upper Dawson Road, and has been identified as the most cost-effective option to mitigate the effects of flooding in Gladstone Road, the lower CBD, Depot Hill, Port Curtis and Allenstown.
First identified in 1992, the project was further supported by updated modelling in 2011 and has been confirmed by rigorous analysis including updated flood modelling in 2014 and again in 2019.
Mr Dick said the levee was declared a prescribed project by the state’s independent Coordinator-General in November 2018, to accelerate approvals required under state law.
“Public consultation on the project will run for a minimum of 20 business days, closing on 21 June 2019. A comprehensive assessment of all environmental, social and economic impacts arising from the project will be undertaken at the same time.”
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said fast-tracking the project is great news for residents.
“The levee will deliver many benefits to the community, especially to those who live, work and do business in areas that are regularly impacted by flooding.
“Not only will construction of the levee deliver new jobs to Rockhampton, it will further protect jobs by reducing flood damage to commercial properties in the South Rockhampton area. These businesses have suffered millions of dollars in damage due to recent flooding events.
“The levee will help protect roads and infrastructure and keep the Bruce Highway open through the city, which helps to keep businesses open and people safe.”
