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Category: Floods / Disasters and Accidents / Regional Development

Roma flood levee approved, despite locals' legal challenge

Thursday, 5 Jan 2017 14:39:11

Stage two of the levee could save 30 homes from flooding, as seen here in 2012. (ABC News: Stephanie Smail)

Stage two of the Roma flood levee has been approved by the Queensland Government after the local council asked it to intervene to override legal challenges from two residents.

While stage one of the levee has been built, the $8.3 million stage two hit a roadblock.

It is designed to spare 30 homes from above-floorboard flooding, however 88-year-old Molly Stevens said it would cut her property in two and make it uninhabitable.

Roma levee stage two facts

  • Will result in further reduction of risk of above-floor flooding to 30 properties.
  • Where possible, council land will be used to reduce impact on private properties.
  • Proposed mitigation measures include: Over 3km of new levee, 5.2km of new and upgraded diversion channels, widening and deepening to 3.4km of long drain, 1.6km of new stormwater drainage within Station Street precinct and an upgrade of the Railway Dam.
Source: maranoa.qld.gov.au

She had launched a legal challenge, which is now mooted by the State Government's "calling in" powers.

The Maranoa Regional Council had asked Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Jackie Trad in October to use the powers.

Ms Trad said the project was crucial to save homes from damage.

"In the end, community safety was at the centre of the final decision," Ms Trad said.

"[There is] paramount importance placed on the protection of lives.

"I think that people in the local community whose property will be less impacted by floods in the future will think that it's fair."

Conditions have been put in place to minimise the impact on residents, with construction due to begin in the next two years.

The Maranoa council is now required to negotiate with affected land owners to ensure appropriate access to land.

Stage two involves building a diversion channel and an extension to that levy bank on the western side of Bungil Creek.

The town suffered three major floods in three consecutive years, when about 450 homes were inundated.

A truck and a car drive through floodwaters in Roma Photo: A truck and a car drive through floodwaters in Roma in 2012. (ABC TV)

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