Laidley Flood Mitigation works set to start

The much-anticipated flood mitigation works along the main drain channel through Laidley will soon get underway.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council's Infrastructure Portfolio Councillor Janice Holstein said the project was designed to improve the flood resilience of the town.

It will also decrease the number of homes experiencing inundation in the northern area of the Laidley township in flood events, which is good news for Laidley, especially for the businesses and residents who have been flooded several times since 2010.

The project will see an increase in the capacity of the channel which runs just to the west of the CBD from Whites Road north to Stanford Place, opposite Laidley District State School.

Laidley is a vital part of our region so to capitalise on funding opportunities and improve flood resilience is very important, Cr Holstein said.

The project will require the removal of more than 21,000 cubic metres of soil and will require around 800 truck and dog' loads through the CBD.

Unfortunately there are no viable alternatives and we appreciate the community's understanding as we undertake these works prior to the summer wet season.

Council and the contractor will be mindful of school drop-off and pick-up times, as well as other events held in the main street, such as the Friday Make it, Bake it, Grow it' Markets when scheduling, and will minimise disruption as much as possible, Cr Holstein said.

Earthworks will include the construction of a low levee to help keep flood water in the channel as much as possible. Works will commence with the de-silting of the main drain between Patrick Street bridge and Pike Street, and the channel widening and levee construction from Pike Street to Stanford Place will follow.

SEDL Earthmoving Pty Ltd were awarded the $1.15 million contract and bring with them proven experience from projects including the Moonie Pipeline, Brisbane Airport earthworks and foundation preparation, and a helicopter facility at Oakey Army Aviation Base.

The project is jointly funded by Lockyer Valley Regional Council and the State Government, through the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.