Flood mitigation works begin on Wackford Street

Published on 22 May 2019

Work is underway on the Wackford Street Drainage Scheme, a project which will help mitigate flooding in Rockhampton’s Park Avenue.  

The work is made possible through more than $3.6 million jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Rockhampton Regional Council.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said projects like this were vital for building resilience in Queensland regional communities. 

“While there is no silver bullet or one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to tackling natural disasters in our community, we can make improvements to our infrastructure that will help keep us one step ahead when it comes to response, recovery and reconstruction,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“The Wackford Street Drainage Scheme will make the area more immune to flooding and will reduce the level of risk to people and property during the next flood event to reach our city.”

The works will include the installation of extensive stormwater works, the relocation of water mains, and the excavation of Wackford Street, as well as the full reconstruction of sections of road impacted by construction.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said that the project is extensive, but the benefits will be substantial.

“We know that residents of Wackford Street have been significantly affected by severe flooding events in the past, and this is something we have been working hard to mitigate,” said Mayor Strelow.

“We want to thank the community for their patience while we have completed investigations and flood modelling, developed a plan, commissioned designs, and worked to source funding.

“This is a long process, but with the support of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority we are now ready for works to commence.

“This project will greatly benefit the people who live in Wackford Street and the surrounding area, and it’s a project that we are very excited to deliver.”

The Wackford Street Drainage Scheme is part of Council’s overarching Flood Management Strategy and complements other structural flood mitigation projects.

The project is scheduled to be completed early 2020. 

Further information and updates are available through the Works in My Area section of Council’s website.