Monday, 9 May 2022

Funding committed to Bundaberg North evacuation route

Residents of Bundaberg North and surrounding areas have been given a lifeline by the Coalition Government in the event of a future flood emergency.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and LNP candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce today announced a re-elected Coalition Government would contribute up to $60 million towards the Bundaberg North Flood Evacuation Route, conditional on a 20 percent contribution to the total project cost from the Queensland Government.

“I know we all remember the heartbreak and the devastation of the 2011 and 2013 floods. Having over 1,000 residents airlifted by helicopter to safety is not something I ever want to see again,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Bundaberg North Flood Evacuation Route was identified in the State Government’s 10 Year Flood Action Plan as a priority project but has been ignored by the Queensland State Labor Government.

“I have fought to secure a contribution of up to $60 million from the Coalition Government toward this life saving road project which will give a safe evacuation path for around 10,000 residents if there was a similar catastrophe.

“The evacuation route will provide direct access to the hospital, emergency services, as well as the recently funded Disaster Coordination Centre near Bundaberg Airport and it is a project that is supported by the community, unlike the proposed East Flood Levee.

“I have met with residents of both North and East Bundaberg who have real concerns about the proposed East Bundaberg Flood Levee and more than 5,000 people signed a petition calling on the State Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to review the proposed levee.”

LNP candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce said the evacuation route would give residents more time to get to safety.

“As well as increased evacuation time for Bundaberg North, Gooburrum and surrounding areas, it will improve access into Bundaberg North after a flood event for emergency services and the community,” Mr Boyce said.

“More than 4,000 homes were impacted by the floods in 2013 but nothing is more important than human lives and if we can give residents the best chance at getting to safety and being able to access critical services during a crisis, that must be the priority.

“The Queensland State Labor Government released its 10-year Flood Action Plan in 2017 and it took another three years before committing half of the funding for the East Flood Levee in the middle of the State election.

“The proposed levee has divided the Bundaberg community and provides no assistance to the residents of Bundaberg North.”

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