Neil Street upgrade required

With the substantial rain event from the past week fresh in the minds of the community, Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said it was critical action was taken now to ensure the Region was better prepared for future events.

“Over the past week we experienced significant rain throughout the Region and while it was pleasing to see our detention basins and culvert upgrades performing well, we know more work is required,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Since the 2011 floods, Council’s flood recovery program has included more than 1800 projects valued at $247 million (for events in 2011, 2013 and 2014).

“As has been the case in previous events, we’ve learned more lessons this time around and will assess what further measures need to be taken.

“One project which is crucial, is the Neil Street Culvert Upgrade.

“This is the next stage of the East Creek Masterplan Flood Mitigation Project and involves an intersection upgrade of Neil Street and the New England Highway (Chalk Drive), as well as the replacement and upgrade of the existing box culverts to improve flood mitigation.

“To do this work, we need external funding, and this discussion has already commenced with our Federal Member Garth Hamilton.

“During the rain event we were able to show the Federal Government the areas where we received flooding and discuss other flood mitigation opportunities for the Toowoomba Region. I’m confident our case has been heard and if we’re able to receive the necessary funding, we can undertake these works as soon as possible.

“The Neil Street Culvert Upgrade project will continue to build upon Council’s flood mitigation program and substantially improve infrastructure resilience and community safety in this area of Toowoomba City.

“This is an ongoing conversation we need to continue having with both the State and Federal Governments and we will continue improving our case as we continue building flood immunity across the Region.”