Funds flow for Winton flood mitigation feasibility study

Disaster resilience in Winton is being prioritised, with the Queensland and Australian Governments investing in efforts to reduce the impacts of future floods.

Through the $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program (QRRRP), Winton Shire Council will receive funding to explore new flood mitigation measures for the community.

The focal point of council’s work will be the Winton pump station, a piece of infrastructure critical to the town and its economy.

Council will undertake a feasibility study into flood mitigation options for the pump station and its surrounds.

This will include concept designs for a flood levee to secure Winton’s water infrastructure and broader water security.

It’s a critical first step that will pave the way for future project budgeting and construction planning. 

Winton Shire Council first identified the need for the feasibility study via their Local Resilience Action Plan (LRAP), an essential tool that provides government with visibility of priority local resilience-building projects.

The plans are a key resource used by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to ensure disaster funding is directed towards high-priority activities that will result in positive and lasting change in communities.

Proposed flood mitigation measures like a levee will ultimately reduce the cost of recovery and restoration in Winton Shire following flooding and other extreme weather events.

The QRRRP is funded through efficiencies from the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will deliver stronger, more resilient infrastructure for Queensland.