UPDATE: Major flood resilience works in Mount Sylvia have been officially completed, offering vital protection against future flood damage for local communities. The $1.8 million project, spearheaded by Resilient Rivers SEQ, was unveiled today, marking a significant step in safeguarding infrastructure and farmland.
The project focused on extensive rehabilitation efforts along Blackfellow Creek, including major creek bank stabilization and revegetation at three priority sites. This initiative comes at a crucial moment as communities prepare for the upcoming wet season, following devastating floods in previous years.
Mayor Tanya Milligan and Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald celebrated the milestone by planting the final tree on-site today. Funding for the initiative included $1.35 million from the SEQ City Deal, a collaborative effort involving the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and the Council of Mayors (SEQ), with an additional $558,000 from the Queensland Government.
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell emphasized the project’s immediate benefits, stating, “The site passed its first major test, withstanding the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this year.” This resilience work enhances the preparedness of waterways in the Lockyer and South East Queensland, ensuring they are better equipped to handle severe flooding.
The benefits of this project extend beyond flood protection. It aims to reduce sediment erosion, improve drinking water quality, and safeguard the internationally recognized Moreton Bay. This comprehensive approach is designed not only to protect local communities but also to enhance regional food security by preserving productive soils.
Local leaders are optimistic about the project’s long-term impact. “Flood rehabilitation and resilience works are vital steps in protecting our local infrastructure and communities from future flood events,” said Mayor Milligan. “This investment will help safeguard our region for the long-term.”
Planning for this initiative began back in September 2024, following extensive hydrological assessments and community consultations. The work included the installation of rock groyne structures, timber pile fields, and the planting of over 5,000 native plants across the sites. In total, 12,000 tonnes of high-density blue rock were utilized to stabilize the creek banks and slow water flow, significantly reducing the impact of potential flooding.
Additionally, the Queensland Government has completed disaster recovery works along Mount Sylvia Road, enhancing five floodways to withstand flood saturation. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to disaster recovery through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The completion of these resilience works underscores the effectiveness of collaboration between local, state, and federal governments. As Senator Corinne Mulholland noted, the project is a testament to what can be achieved when all levels of government work together for the benefit of local communities.
Residents of Mount Sylvia and surrounding areas can now feel more secure as flood season approaches, with enhanced measures in place to protect their homes and livelihoods. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also fortifies the community against future environmental challenges.
For ongoing updates and further details on flood resilience initiatives, visit www.resilientrivers.com.au.
