The flood risk for more than 500 Roma properties has been officially downgraded, with the Palaszczuk Government approving updated flood maps for the area after the completion of $8.3 million in flood mitigation works.
Minister for Planning Cameron Dick said a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) will give immediate effect to the new flood mapping while Maranoa Regional Council works on amending its planning scheme to reflect the update.
“Many of us remember the devastating Roma floods of 2012 and the damage that flooding caused, not only to properties but to the social and economic fabric of the community,” Mr Dick said.
“In the past, these 500-plus properties would have been inundated by a similar flooding event.
“The recently completed flood mitigation works have reduced flood risk for these residents, which is now reflected in the new mapping.
“This TLPI provides immediate certainty to Roma residents previously living in flood-risk properties.”
The Roma Flood Mitigation Project – Stage 2 was supported through the Palaszczuk Government’s $365 million Building our Regions program, with further funding coming from the Commonwealth Government and council.
Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Tyson Golder said council is working on a major amendment to its planning scheme to permanently give effect to the new flood mapping.
“The recently completed Stage 2A of the Roma Flood Mitigation Project involved the construction of a diversion drain and extension of the existing town levee constructed under Stage 1 of the project,” Cr Golder said.
“As a result of this project, new flood modelling shows the extent of land that could be affected by a future flood is significantly less.
“Among other things, the updated mapping will provide Roma landowners with more information in relation to future development on their properties.”
The TLPI will be in place for up to two years while council works on the amendment.
