Opinion: Concerns over proposed East Bundaberg Flood Levee continue to rise

“These flood mitigation options are of the utmost importance for our community now and into the future and we need to get it right the first time.”

In an attempt to validate recent claims by proponents of the East Levee the Bundaberg Flood Protection Group have been actively pursuing copies of detailed and approved design, costings and construction drawings of the proposal but we have been denied such access.

The BFPG are concerned that the magical figure of $85m is unsubstantiated and in fact could be as much as double this figure and then, never become a reality, just like the Rockhampton levee.

The BFPG are also very concerned with the lack of transparency in relation to the obvious and never-ending and exorbitant maintenance costs associated with this proposal.

These costs will undoubtedly have to be borne by the local rate and taxpayers. We deserve to know now.

These flood mitigation options are of the utmost importance for our community now and into the future and we need to get it right the first time.

Recent petitioning within the Bundaberg community by members of our group, clearly suggests that less than 10 per cent of the public want this proposal to proceed ahead of other options.

This disproves recent claims by the government that an extensive consultation process was conducted.

We are well aware that any mitigation option will cost money, but human safety must be at the forefront and have flooding benefits for the majority, not a minority, as is the case with the proposed Levee.

For more detailed information about the Bundaberg Flood Protection Group please visit our website at www.bundabergfloodprotectiongroup.com.au or our web page Bundaberg flood protection and please sign the petition before leaving.

Sid McKeown, East Bundaberg