BANK stabilisation works will commence this month at Mosquito Creek – much to the relief of Groper Creek residents, who have been waiting for the remediation works to be completed for almost three years.
A freakish rainfall event in January, 2020 saw more than 500mm dumped in 24 hours, resulting in Mosquito Creek blowing out to triple its size and leaving valuable reserve land exposed.
Held up in the beaurocratic “red/green” tape whilst the State Government, State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) and Burdekin Shire Rivers Improvement Trust (BSRIT) all had to get on the same page, the process has been frustrating to say the least.
SARA initially refused BSRIT’s application for Operational Work for Prescribed Tidal Work at Groper Creek, because “the proposed rock revetment wall would not be protecting building and structures of value”.
Groper Creek’s 100 years of progress works were quickly pointed out, including the township; State Government jetty and boat ramps; electricity, phone and road infrastructure; popular caravan park; and the most important assets – its people.
Lessons learnt from recent southern flooding events emphasised the need for prevention and preparation, so it will be comforting for locals to see the work completed ahead of predicted La Nina rainfall. The public is advised to please not enter the area while works are in progress.
