The Queensland Government has begun procurement for an engineering consultant to help deliver the $174.7 million Bundaberg East Levee.
The project, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, will mitigate damage from a Burnett River flood within Bundaberg East, Bundaberg South, and the CBD – without increasing flooding in other areas of Bundaberg.
The project will help to safeguard homes and businesses, as well as support local jobs and economies.
In the coming months, the project’s reference design – originally developed with community consultation in 2018 – will be further refined by an engineering consultant in conjunction with the Bundaberg community and project stakeholders.
The reference design includes a concrete levee in two main sections, as well as floodgates, flood doors and pump stations across Saltwater Creek and an unnamed creek known locally as ‘Distillery Creek’.
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Input and consultation into the revised design will likely occur in early to mid 2024. Construction is expected to begin by early 2025.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt commended the State Government for its progress on the project.
“It’s very pleasing that this major project is moving ahead with a clear objective to protect homes and businesses in areas of the city that are vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flooding,” Watt said.
“We know disruptions caused by natural hazards can have devastating economic effects and takes a toll on people lives and wellbeing, which is why we are making a real difference through this project.”