Jack Dempsey, Stephen Bennett on Bundaberg flood levee

Maryborough’s flood levee saved much of its CBD from flooding on Sunday, and now questions are being asked about how much longer Bundaberg will have to wait for its own flood mitigation measures.

Six weeks after a penstock gate failed in the Maryborough CBD, letting water under the flood levee, the $6 million dollar structure has successfully defended the city and many of its businesses.

Bundaberg narrowly missed the “rain bomb” that led to catastrophic flooding from the Fraser Coast to New South Wales last week and over the weekend, and the near-miss has prompted questions around just when Bundaberg will get its own flood mitigation measures.

For many Bundaberg residents, memories of the 2011 and 2013 floods are raw.

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey.

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey told the Bundaberg NewsMail he was hopeful that a visit to the region by Emergency Management Minister Bridget McKenzie this weekend would lead to an announcement of support.

“I know that many people have been worried this year about a repeat of the 2011 and 2013 disasters,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Hopefully, Minister McKenzie will announce funding for flood protection in Bundaberg during her visit on Saturday.

“It's the simplest way to keep people safe, reduce insurance premiums, and avoid taxpayers’ money being spent on disaster recovery costs.”

Mr Dempsey said flood levees were well worth their cost.

“The Launceston flood levee cost $58 million, including land acquisition and in the floods of June 2016, saved an estimated $216 million in losses,” he said.

The Burnett River in flood. Photo: Alistair Brightman

“Bundaberg Regional Council supports all the recommendations of the State Government’s 10-year Flood Action Plan, including the levee and an evacuation route.”

Cr Dempsey said the levee had been engineered and studied and was ready to go.

“There‘s already $42 million on the table and the Queensland Government has made it their number one disaster mitigation priority,” he said.

“The Federal Government has been a willing partner in flood mitigation for places like Launceston and Grafton, and they should do the same in Bundaberg.”

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said Bundaberg was “lucky” this time, but flood mitigation options needed to be a focus.

“While our region has been lucky to escape the worst of the flooding over recent weeks, it’s vital we reassess our flood mitigation options to ensure Bundaberg is protected for years to come,” he said.

“I took the issue to Parliament recently, requesting the State Government look at all possible mitigation options.

“This follows a petition of more than 5000 calling for a review of the original flood mitigation proposal.”

Mr Bennett said he would continue to support all options for flood mitigation.

“I’m not the expert and I’ve never claimed to be, but I do know it would be irresponsible to rule out other viable options without proper consultation and investigation,” he said.

“Reports show that a levee is one viable option, but that doesn't mean it is the only one.

“It's important we get this right so we can save properties, livelihoods and lives.”

Originally published as Jack Dempsey, Stephen Bennett on Bundaberg flood levee