The Queensland Government says the Bundaberg East Levee project is a “step closer” to being delivered after it secured the required commencement approvals, with construction work expected to begin by early 2025. 

The $174.7 million project, jointly funded by the state and federal governments, was approved in June to create a 1.7km concrete levee across the southern bank of the Burnett River.    

The state government says the embankment will help mitigate damage from river flooding for homes, businesses and local community areas within Bundaberg East, Bundaberg South and its CBD while maintaining that it will not increase risk for other local areas.   

The government says it will now work with engineering consultants to help refine the project’s reference design, which was developed with community support in 2018.   

“This project is vital in ensuring Bundaberg is as safe from flooding as possible,” Queensland Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said.   

“It’s important that the people of Bundaberg have a voice in the project delivery process, which is why we invite community members to visit the project website and register for updates and invitations to 2024 community events.”   

Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt says it is “very pleasing” to see the project “moving ahead with a clear objective to protect homes and businesses in areas of the city that are vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flooding”.  

“We know disruptions caused by natural hazards can have devastating economic effects and takes a toll on people’s lives and wellbeing, which is why we are making a real difference through this project,” Mr Watt said.  

“I commend the Queensland Government’s progress on this levee, and while there is still a long way to go, we look forward to collaborating even further to increase Bundy’s flood resilience.”  

The levee was developed as one of four projects identified following the launch of the Bundaberg Action Plan in 2017, which worked to respond to changing flood risk conditions.