Queensland Minister for Planning Cameron Dick

Funding For Halifax Flood Levee Upgrade

Victor P Taffa

Palaszczuk Government has committed $390,000 to raise the Halifax flood levee by 20 cm to increase the community’s resilience to flooding.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Herbert River Improvement Trust would deliver the upgrade works to the flood levee.

“Halifax flood levee was constructed in 2006 and has protected the town from flooding during severe weather events in 2009, 2014 and 2018.” Minister Dick said.

“However, flood modelling experts have told the Herbert River Improvement Trust that Lower Herbert River patterns have changed as a result of these floods.”

“Changes in the Lower Herbert to ground levels, cropping, transport infrastructure, and the river itself have also collectively increased the area’s vulnerability to flooding.” Minister Dick said.

“River levels are now higher for significant rainfall events, so we’re funding works to raise the levee an extra 20 cm to further protect the town of Halifax.”

Minister Dick said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to keeping communities safe through projects such as the Halifax flood levee.

“Halifax levee has substantially reduced the risk of flood damage for public infrastructure, business and the community of Halifax.” Minister Dick said.

“However, the 2018 floods confirmed the levee’s vulnerability to overtopping in the event of a major flood.”

“A key priority of our government is keeping communities safe, and the funding we’re allocating for this project, and others like it around the state, shows we’re delivering on that commitment.”

“We will continue to help Queenslanders prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster as part of the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience, as we work towards making Queensland the most disaster resilient state in Australia.” Minister Dick said.