The flood risk for more than 500 properties in Roma has been downgraded after the completion of an $8.3 million mitigation project in the south-western Queensland town.

Work started in March on the second stage of the mitigation scheme, which involved the construction of a diversion drain and extension of the existing town levee built in the first stage of the project.

Roma suffered catastrophic flooding in 2012, and the Maranoa Regional Council together with governments at state and federal levels have focused on improving the town’s flood defences.

Approval for a temporary local planning instrument has been granted, giving immediate effect to the new flood map while the council works to include the changes in its planning scheme.

“In the past, these 500-plus properties would have been inundated by a similar flooding event. The recently completed flood mitigation works have reduced flood risk for these residents, which is now reflected in the new mapping,” Minister for Planning Cameron Dick said.

A levee built in the town two years after the 2012 flood disaster saw Suncorp cut property premiums in the town by an average of 45%.

On the completion of the mitigation works, the insurer told insuranceNEWS.com.au it “remains committed to always looking to reduce the cost of insurance to reflect reduced risks.”