Bundaberg council labelled ‘irresponsible’ for not wanting to foot levee costs

The Bundaberg mayor is standing firm on her refusal to pay for the ongoing maintenance of any Bundaberg East flood levee, saying agreeing to do so would cost more than $9 million in the first year alone, and force the council to impose massive rate rises.

The proposed Bundaberg East flood levee has sparked significant debate between the Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland Government.

The proposed Bundaberg East flood levee has sparked significant debate between the Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland Government.

The levee, which aims to mitigate flood risks and reduce insurance costs for residents, is at the center of a financial and administrative dispute.

It is part of a $174.7 million project funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, intended to protect areas like Bundaberg East, Bundaberg South, and the city’s central business district from Burnett River floods.

During a recent parliamentary session, Shadow Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy raised questions about the Bundaberg council’s conditions regarding the flood levee. She noted the council’s demand that all associated costs, including asset transfer fees, operations, maintenance, and future upgrades, be covered by the state government.

Fire and Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd has criticised the Bundaberg council’s stance on the Bundaberg East flood levee. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Fire and Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd criticised the council’s stance.

“We do not see the Bundaberg Regional Council saying they want to hand back their Works for Queensland funding because it would have a depreciation attached to it... It is irresponsible of the Bundaberg Regional Council to say they do not support this project.”

She emphasised the levee’s potential to enhance safety for Bundaberg residents and reduce their insurance premiums by up to $1000, as estimated by insurers like Suncorp.

Ms Boyd said the council’s reluctance to accept the project without additional financial guarantees sent a negative message to the community.

The Bundaberg East Levee appears to be up in the air as state government and local council argue over costs.

“Given the council asked for this levee which will benefit the Bundaberg community, it’s difficult to understand why the mayor won’t accept ownership for it unless the council doesn’t have to maintain it,” Ms Boyd said.

Mayor Helen Blackburn said “the statement that Bundaberg Regional Council does not support the East Bundaberg Levee project is not correct”.

“In fact, we have accepted ownership of the asset provided its ongoing costs are not required to be met by ratepayers.”

Ms Blackburn said it was important the levee did not impose a financial burden on the community, as the council was not financially equipped to handle maintenance costs, which could reach up to $9.4 million in the first year alone.

This figure would necessitate a 9.8 per cent rate increase for ratepayers, a move the council wanted to avoid, she said.

“We would welcome a discussion with the state government in regards to our concerns about the future maintenance and operation of the levee.,” Ms Blackburn said.

“I understand that Minister Nikki Boyd is visiting the region and would welcome further clarification on any concerns she may have with council’s decision.

“How does the state government believe maintenance costs should be covered?

“Do they think it should be covered by the Bundaberg region community?“

Originally published as Bundaberg council labelled ‘irresponsible’ for not wanting to foot levee costs