Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt today said the devastating January 2008 floods in the Riverstone Road area of Gordonvale should not happen again thanks to the final stage of remedial works underway to replace the floodway at Hemmings Creek.
Mr Pitt said the State Government has worked closely with council since the flooding event in January 2008 to improve flood immunity at Hemmings Creek and the Gordonvale area.
“The major drain diverting water into Hemmings Creek overflowed as the culvert under the road was unable to handle the volume of water from the sudden downpour,” Mr Pitt said.
Mr Pitt said the contribution by the Queensland Government for the joint project with the Cairns Regional Council was allocated in this year’s state budget.
“The Bligh Government is providing 50 per cent towards the upgrade of the culvert at a total cost of $1 million,” Mr Pitt said.
“Following investigations, the government and council worked together to develop flood mitigation works program.
“This is a good example of what can be achieved when both state and local governments join forces to provide a solution for our local communities.
“We accept that we live in a part of the world where flooding during the wet season can have a huge impact. However local residents shouldn’t need to paddle their way to the shops in suburban Gordonvale.
The completion of this project ahead of the 2010 wet season is good news for local residents.”
Council is carrying out the work on behalf of the Department of Transport and Main Roads and work is scheduled for completion in the coming months.
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