Consultation to begin on South Rockhampton Flood Levee
30 May 2019
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.”
More information on the MID can be found on the Departments website at
https://planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/planning/better-development/infrastructure-designations
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Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Media contact: Lesley Major 0419 288 284
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