The NT Government says works in Katherine North are now complete as the Katherine Flood Mitigation Project progresses to better protect the town from flooding.

A newly-constructed flood levee now runs along the eastern side of Katherine town to the Stuart Highway. The Government says it will prevent overflows from the Lockheed Drain during events similar to floods in 2006, which are deemed one in two-decade events.

The $10 million project, jointly funded by the Federal and NT governments, is expected to increase Katherine’s flood resilience and improve flood protection of Katherine residential, community and commercial areas.

A tender for second stage of works in Katherine South is expected early next year.

The works include a combination of earth embankments with a footpath link, concrete walls and temporary barriers for road crossings. Flood modelling identified that the levee banks and upgraded drainage will provide the greatest reduction in flood impact for smaller flood events.

Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler says residents in Katherine North can “rest a little easier this wet season.”

“No levee will ever be 100% flood-proof and we continue to remind residents they should be prepared for extreme events,” she said.