Opinion: Still more questions than answers about Bundaberg levee wall proposal

“So that we can make the debate factual please make public the detailed and approved design and construction drawings so as to enable an accurate construction cost and determine ongoing maintenance costs to the ratepayers.”

A concept impression of the proposed Bundaberg East Levee. Source: bundabergactionplan.initiatives.qld.gov.au

In a recent news article and apparently originating from the Hinkler Innovation breakfast the Mayor stated that people are entitled to their opinion.

This is correct but it does not mean that because their opinions are not the same as his that they are wrong.

The Mayor also stated that we all have a responsibility to be factual, this is also correct, but he needs to understand that this also applies to him when he is lobbying and canvassing his constituents.

My understanding of factual is telling the truth and supplying all the facts not just the bits that suit a particular agenda at the time.

I would like the Mayor to elaborate and validate his 4 recent and hopefully factual claims below.

1. “A flood levee is the only viable option to protect a significant number of people and properties”

How many people is a significant number for the Mayor? This is only the opinion of the Mayor and a few others.

There are at least 4 viable options according to the consulting engineers reports and both the widening and dredging of the river together with the evacuation route over North get very high approval ratings.

(2) “The Science speaks for itself”

I ask the Mayor, where do we access this mysterious and detailed science that he continually refers to in relation to the levee proposal?

To date we have only heard about it. A government engineer who once spoke at one of our meetings said that the levee would raise water levels over North Bundaberg. Now that is enough science for me to not want a levee wall.

(3) “The levee will make people safe”

Try telling the 5000 evacuees from over North Bundaberg this.

Unlike North Bundaberg human safety was not a major concern for residents over East, West or South Bundaberg, in 2013 so please explain how this wall will make people safe especially if it does nothing for North Bundaberg and other non-protected areas?

(4) “People need to accept the science”

Please show us the science behind this proposal so that it can be analysed and evaluated. Science has often been known to be wrong and it will never replace personal and actual experience.

The science behind two other worthwhile options namely the North evacuation route and dredging and widening of the river has already been done by GHD and Jacobs engineers and apparently provides more safety and cost benefits for more of the community than the levee ever will.

So that we can make the debate factual please make public the detailed and approved design and construction drawings so as to enable an accurate construction cost and determine ongoing maintenance costs to the ratepayers.

Sid McKeown, East Bundaberg