Council affirms flood levee position

BUNDABERG REGIONAL COUNCIL CEO ROB WILLIAMS:

Every elected member is entitled to have, and express, a personal opinion or view.

However I can confirm that Bundaberg Regional Council has formally accepted asset ownership of the Bundaberg East Flood Levee on the stipulation that the Bundaberg Region community would not be expected to fully fund its continued maintenance and operation.

In June 2023 the State and Federal Governments jointly committed $174.7 million for the construction of the Bundaberg East levee.

The full recommendation, which was moved in a Special Meeting on 8 May 2024, detailed: That due to the impact the Bundaberg East Flood Levee project costs will have on Council’s financial position, Council accepts Asset Ownership, Operation and Maintenance responsibilities for the Bundaberg East Flood Levee on the condition that all costs relating to asset transfer (including stamp duty), operations, maintenance, lifecycle replacement (end of life renewal and/or rehabilitation including depreciation), future upgrade or disposal of the asset are to be funded by the Queensland Government.

Further, that Council advises the Queensland Government Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works of its decision so that project arrangements can be made.

Any change to Council’s resolved position would be required to go through the same process within a formal meeting.