A $1.8 million project for levees and associated drainage and culvert works at Carisbrook has been signed off in a joint agreement between the Australian Government and Central Goldfields Shire Council, ensuring better flood protection across 25 properties.

The signing has unlocked $1.2 million in federal funding for the Carisbrook Township Western Levee Construction under the previously announced National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program, funded through the Commonwealth’s Emergency Response Fund. Central Goldfields Shire Council is contributing the remaining $600,000.

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in important flood mitigation projects to protect communities against the impacts of future floods.

“The delivery of this project at Carisbrook is a key part of the longer-term flood mitigation effort that starts on the ground, making communities more resilient,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The funding will assist construction of levees and associated drainage and culvert works to protect 25 properties from flooding in the event of a one percent annual exceedance probability flood.”

Dr Webster said the Carisbrook Township Western Levee project was crucial for the long-term safety and security of Carisbrook locals.

“In the last two years I have fought hard to see this funding delivered for the Carisbrook community and I’m pleased to be a part of a government that recognises the need for flood mitigation infrastructure for regional Australians. The Federal Government funding will ensure better flood protection for households and businesses in Carisbrook which experienced major flooding in 2010 and 2011,” Dr Webster said.

“The levee project investment will minimise the risk of flooding from future high rainfall events and enable confidence for the community to grow and prosper.”

Twenty-two flood mitigation infrastructure projects across all states and territories have been supported under the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program, with a total of $50 million provided so far from the Emergency Response Fund.

A second round of the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program is now open to state and territory governments for applications.

Further information at www.recovery.gov.au/programs/national-flood-mitigation-infrastructure-program-2020-21