South Rockhampton Flood Levee Statement
Published on 23 June 2026
Rockhampton Regional Council has resolved to formally cease the South Rockhampton Flood Levee as an active project now that a new Flood Risk Management Study is underway.
The new study will provide a modern, up to date assessment of the Lower Fitzroy River system and the best, most cost effective flood mitigation measures available.
Importantly, the study will analyse the latest modelling, anticipated impacts of climate change and recent infrastructure investments like the construction of the Rockhampton Ring Road. It will also assess flood mitigation measures Council has already delivered such as backflow shut-off values which have been deployed in the region.
The South Rockhampton Flood Levee was first proposed in 2012 before many of these recent infrastructure initiatives were finalised and delivered.
The new flood study is expected to assess a range of mitigation options, including a flood levee; and provide recommendations to Council in the coming 12 months.
Council continues to work with State and Federal Government to deliver new flood mitigation measures and undertake regular disaster management exercises and preparation.
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams:
“We take flood mitigation and disaster management seriously in our region and it’s important that it’s underpinned by the latest modelling and advice.
“The South Rockhampton Flood Levee was proposed 14 years ago now and we’ve seen a lot of things change in our river system. We’ve seen changes in the environment, new infrastructure investments like the Ring Road and flood mitigation measures put in place by Council.
“It’s right and timely that we reassess how all those changes impact flood management and look at options that respond to the current environment, not the environment from 10 years ago.
“The new study will work through all the information and modelling and provide some modern, up to date options to consider. A flood levee will be part of that assessment but it won’t be the flood levee proposed in 2012.
“In the meantime, we will continue to work with the State and Federal Government and the community to deliver common sense flood mitigation measures and plan and prepare for natural disasters as we normally do.”