Deflecting flood effects with infrastructure upgrade

Published on 12 February 2016

A project that will assist in mitigating the effects of flooding in North Rockhampton has been given a funding boost from the Queensland Government.

Rockhampton Regional Council has sealed more than $72,000 toward the installation of debris deflectors through the Queensland Government’s Community Resilience Fund.

The project, which totals more than $190,000, will now see the installation of deflectors at road crossings at Rockonia Road on Thozet’s Creek and Beasley Street on Frenchman’s Creek over the upcoming months.

Deputy Mayor and Chair of Council’s Infrastructure Committee Cr Tony Williams said it will mean a major improvement in future flood events.

"This project works to improve the water flow for culverts that so often become blocked by upstream debris during heavy rain events," Cr Williams said.

"The installation of these concrete deflector walls will reduce the opportunity for debris build up and blockages and see floodwater getting away in a shorter timeframe."

He said a sincere thank you goes to the Queensland Government for their support of the project.

“The support from the Queensland Government has meant Council has been able to get this project underway earlier than we would have been able to within our own budget, and it also means we have been able to stretch the rate payer’s dollar even further.”

Member for Keppel Mrs Brittany Lauga said she was thrilled to be a part of the project.

“I am very pleased to deliver this grant for this upgrade in Keppel to allow the community to bounce back faster from flooding, reduce damage to private and public property and reduce future spending on rebuilding existing road and drainage infrastructure,” Mrs Lauga said.

“As well as reducing the community’s vulnerability to natural disasters, these projects will deliver much-needed jobs and economic development flow-on benefits throughout the region,” Ms Lauga said.

Division 10 Cr Neil Fisher said it’s welcome news for local residents.

“This project has been something Council has been pushing for some time and it’s great news particularly for the Koongal and Frenchville residents who are often affected and at times cut off when the road floods,” he said.