In January 2013, ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald devastated the Bundaberg region. Approximately:
- 2400 properties were destroyed or damaged
- 7000 people were evacuated
- 600 businesses were damaged.
As a result of this devastation, the Queensland Government has determined to develop a 10-year action plan for major flood mitigation in Bundaberg.
A 10-year action plan for Bundaberg
The Bundaberg 10-year Action Plan is a roadmap that sets out the action required to reduce flood risks in Bundaberg. It builds on projects undertaken by the Bundaberg Regional Council and harnesses the collective knowledge of the Bundaberg community, experts and government to prioritise cost-effective flood mitigation solutions for the people of Bundaberg, their homes, businesses and the local economy.
See the Bundaberg 10-Year Action Plan.
- Flood review:The government engaged Jacobs, an internationally recognised engineering firm, to undertake an independent review of previous flood studies, floodplain risk management plans and the community consultation process.
- Consultation:Consultation was held in late 2015 and 2016 to capture local knowledge about flooding and ideas for solutions. The outcomes of this consultation informed the mitigation options that were assessed. Consultation on the options assessment is complete and Jacobs has prepared a report detailing the outcomes of stage 2 community engagement.
- Assessment: A range of flood mitigation options were assessed. Information on the options and the outcomes of the options assessment are below.
- Delivery: The Bundaberg Flood Protection Study was completed in early 2017. The development of the 10-year action plan and ongoing engagement will occur in 2017.
Findings of the Bundaberg Flood Protection Study
- Download the fact sheet (
260 KB) for a summary of the findings of the Bundaberg Flood Protection Study.
- Download the Bundaberg Flood Protection Study: Flood Mitigation Options Assessment Report (
23 MB).
- Download the Bundaberg Flood Protection Study: Stage 2 Consultation Report (
 22 MB).
Frequently asked questions
Next steps
See the Bundaberg 10-Year Action Plan.
Further information
To find out more please call 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
The Bundaberg Flood Protection Study development process
The following describes the process and findings of Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Bundaberg Flood Protection Study development.
Stage 2: evaluating flood mitigation options and develop action plan
During stage 2, information sessions were held allowing community members to find out more about the flood mitigation options identified in stage 1 and stage 2 and to provide feedback.
The following discussion papers were prepared for the 11 flood mitigation options. These provided the community with an overview of the flood mitigation options and the findings of the options assessment.
- Option A: Burnett River conveyance improvement
- Option B: North Bundaberg floodway
- Option C: Bundaberg North levee and floodway
- Option D: Bundaberg East levee
- Option E: Fairymead levee removal
- Option F: Millaquin bend
- Option G: Elliot River Diversion
- Option H: Improving emergency access to Don Tallon Bridge
- Option I: Dams in the upper catchment
- Option J: Floodway house purchase scheme
- Option K: Upper floodplain evacuation improvements
Information is now available to help you learn more about each of the flood mitigation options and the findings of the options assessment.
Discussion papers have been prepared for the 11 flood mitigation options. These provide an overview of the flood mitigation options and the findings of the options assessment.
Stage 1: review and consultation
Stage 1 of the independent study was undertaken by Jacobs in November 2015. The study involved a review of previous flood studies and a public consultation period to capture local knowledge about flooding and potential flood solutions.
This was the first phase of consultation in the development of the 10-year action plan for major flood mitigation works in the Bundaberg region.
The outcomes of this consultation and Jacobs' independent reviews are now available for public review. Please refer to downloadable documents in the resources section below.
We appreciate the valuable contribution the community has made to existing studies and again, to this most recent one.
Read the Bundaberg flood protection scoping study stage 1 reports: