Mount Sylvia flood rehabilitation project passes first major test
Flood resilience works along Blackfellow Creek at Woodbine and Mount Sylvia have proven successful, with bank stabilisation passing its first major test.
Almost 9000 tonnes of rock have been placed at two priority sites along the creek as part of a $1.8M flood rehabilitation project delivered by Lockyer Valley Regional Council, in partnership with Resilient Rivers SEQ and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
The Tenthill Creek, Junction View to Mount Sylvia Phase Two works is being funded as part of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal, a long-term partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ).
Environment Portfolio Councillor Cheryl Steinhardt said the rocks held up well against major flooding during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“I’m very pleased to report that the works along Blackfellow Creek have done exactly what they were intended to do, and as a result, there was no damage to Mount Sylvia Road, which sits perilously close to the creek in some areas,” she said.
“We’ve had engineers come and assess the two sites where the rock has already been placed and they have confirmed that no repairs are needed, which is great news.”
In addition to shoring up the creek bank, the rocks are designed to slow the flow of water, reducing erosion and flood impacts to nearby farmers and those downstream.
Cr Steinhardt said the project team was keeping a close eye on the weather to determine when the planned revegetation works would begin.
“The team was due to put down topsoil at the sites in preparation for planting trees and shrubs, which will further stabilise the creek bank, however that was put on hold when local impacts from Cyclone Alfred were likely,” she said.
“One of the main objectives of this project is to limit the amount of sediment ending up in South East Queensland’s waterways, so we will only proceed with the topsoil when the time is right.”
More rocks, about 3500 tonnes worth, are planned to be installed at the third and final priority site in May, while about 10,000 native trees and shrubs will be planted across the sites during a three-year period.
The project sites suffered considerable impacts from previous flood events in 2011, 2013 and 2022 and were at risk of further damage without intervention. This included the key community asset of Mount Sylvia Road.
Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald said you only have to look at the past few weeks to see the damage and impact big weather events and flooding can have on the community.
“This is an important step for flood rehabilitation in the Lockyer, and the Crisafulli Government is proud to support the Mount Sylvia flood rehabilitation project, which is crucial for protecting our local infrastructure and communities from future flood events,” he said.
“Investing in flood resilience is essential for the long-term sustainability of our region and our commitment to building a more resilient Lockyer.
“This is a great example of collaboration between the government, local council, and key organisations – by working together, we can ensure that our communities are better prepared and more resilient in the face of future flood events.”
Resilient Rivers SEQ is an initiative of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and has successfully delivered coordinated catchment management for more than 10 years as a partnership with South East Queensland councils, and key regional waterway and catchment organisations. For more information, visit: https://resilientrivers.com.au/
