MP calls for a flood fix ahead of wet season

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto is urging the Transport and Main Roads Minister to bring forward the Gairloch Flood Immunity Upgrade project as another wet season quickly approaches.

The Australian Government committed $40m towards the project 10 years ago.

When probed earlier this year, the Department of Transport and Main Roads confirmed the Gairloch Washaway project was not a “floodproof” solution and the plan was to redirect focus to preliminary planning works on the Ingham bypass. Mr Dametto said the Ingham bypass might be the silver bullet for floodproofing this section of the Bruce Highway in the eyes of TMR, but the proposed project imposed a great threat to the local economy and could negatively impact the hydrology of the Herbert valley.

“The Ingham bypass has the potential to heavily impact Ingham’s CBD and adjoining beachside communities who currently capitalise on the traffic that passes through daily,”

Mr Dametto said.

“Advancing the bypass plans is hampering investment in our region and could be the death knell for many of our small businesses.”

The Katter’s Australian Party politician said even if the bypass went ahead, it would be seven to 15 years away.

“The Gairloch Flood Immunity Upgrade project should be addressed as an interim measure,” he said.

“Currently, the Gairloch Washaway goes over every time we get four or five inches, causing the Bruce Highway to close for sometimes 12 consecutive hours.

“Another wet season is quickly approaching and reliable major road access during wet weather events in North Queensland is critical.”

Kennedy MP Bob Katter said the best use of money would be to mitigate flooding along the section of the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Cardwell as much as humanly possible, starting with the Gairloch Washaway.

“This section of road floods regularly and we have already got a commitment off the federal government to fix it. Now it’s over to the State Minister,” Mr Katter said.

“What conceivable advantage can there be in bypassing the town of Ingham?”

Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo said the washaway closed the highway during periods of small flood and intense localised rain events as it was simply a depression in the ground 0.5 to 1m below surrounding ground levels.

“You cannot have a major highway closing for that,” Mr Jayo said.

“Secondly, this section of road is a major part of access infrastructure serving our district and the Port of Lucinda and needs to be lifted and better aligned regardless of whether the bypass happens or when it might happen.”

Mr Dametto said he was eager to work with all stakeholders to ensure the Gairloch Washaway was escalated to a priority project to improve flood immunity along the Bruce Highway.