Updates on the proposed $174.7 million Bundaberg East Levee are being presented at community sessions this week to let residents learn more about the flood resilience project.

The first session was today and others are planned tomorrow and on Wednesday at the School of Arts Building, 84 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg.

“This latest round of community engagement reflects an ongoing commitment to keeping the community informed and being open to feedback on the proposed levee, which will run roughly parallel to the Burnett River’s southern bank,” the Queensland Government said.

The project is jointly funded by federal and state governments via the Flood Recovery and Resilience Package under the Emergency Response Fund.

“The Bundaberg East Levee project is a significant investment to protect homes and businesses in Bundaberg and the growing Wide Bay community from disasters and extreme weather events that significantly impact individuals and communities,” Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said. “Once completed, this levee will help reduce the impact of flooding from the Burnett River and deliver a more disaster-resilient community for generations.”

The concept design features 1.7km of levee near the Burnett River’s southern bank, with flood gates, flood doors and pump stations.