Council commences a $740,000 project in Inglewood to upgrade essential infrastructure for flood preparedness

Goondiwindi Regional Council’s proactive approach to flood preparedness is evident once again as contractors begin a $740,000 project in five locations across Inglewood to upgrade critical sewerage pump station (SPS) switchboard infrastructure. The initiative, with $650,000 jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), aims to increase flood preparedness by raising the SPS switchboard infrastructure above known flood levels to mitigate against potential flood damage, and maximise our capacity to quickly reinstate critical services after a flood.

The project is set to commence the week starting Monday 29 January 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2024, subject to weather conditions.

Councillor Rick Kearney who holds the portfolio for Water, Sewerage, Local Laws and Local Disaster Management acknowledged Council’s dedication to the safety and wellbeing of Inglewood residents.

“While there may be possible disruptions during the next two months to traffic and on-street parking adjacent to these sites in Cheshire Street, Great Road Street, Regent Lane, Albert Street, and Princess Street, this essential work is crucial for Inglewood’s preparedness in any future flood events,” Cr Kearney said.

Mayor of Goondiwindi Regional Council, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg, AM said “Council’s Local Flood Recovery Plan identified the risk following the 2021 flooding in Inglewood.   This project aims to provide greater protection to the switchboards from future flood events to maximise our capacity to reinstate critical services following a flood event.

“It is great that Council has been able to source significant external funding to pay for the improvements, so there is minimal cost to the ratepayer.  This works also compliments a range of other flood preparedness measures across the region including the new evacuation point in Inglewood and stormwater pump upgrades in Goondiwindi.