TRC welcomes joint funding announcement for James Street flood mitigation works

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio has welcomed a joint announcement by the State and Federal Government to fund upgrades to drainage at James Street on East and West Creeks.

Mayor Antonio said Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) said these proposed culvert upgrades are the last critical element in Council’s Gowrie Creek Catchment Flood Mitigation project upstream of the Toowoomba CBD.

“Council listed these projects as our top priority infrastructure project since 2013 and we are grateful to the State and Federal Government for listening to and now acting on our proposal, Mayor Antonio said.

“The upgrade of culverts at East and West Creeks on James Street is the next step in flood mitigation for the Warrego Highway through Toowoomba.

 “Increasing drainage capacity of these culverts will provide better protection for our residents and road users, civil infrastructure and private property.

“The announcement today will see the culverts upgraded to a nominal Q100 immunity.

 “This will reduce the number of properties effected in a one-in-100-year event as well as reducing the flood extents through Kitchener, Horton and Prescott Streets and the adjacent properties.

“Council has previously completed detention basins and channel works for various sections of East and West Creeks to improve flood mitigation upstream of the CBD.

“Reflecting on the 2011 floods that claimed three lives in our region, including two at the James-Kitchener streets intersection, Mayor Antonio said he was one of many who thought a city 700 metres above sea level would never see the unstoppable ferocity and sheer unpredictability of nature displayed on January 10, 2011.

“History shows there have been other floods through the city, but nothing quite on this scale in recent times,” Mayor Antonio said.

Mayor Antonio thanked the State and Federal Government for listening to the community and responding with the support needed to save lives and protect the community. 

The Mayor also acknowledged the work of Hon Dr John McVeigh for representing the community on this project.

“We look forward to working with State and Federal Government in mitigating these flooding issues in our city that have worried our community since 2011.”

For further information about the funding announcement go to https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mccormack/releases/2018/november/mm220_2018.aspx