Two community meetings were held in Allora on Monday afternoon to discuss the topic, both involving concerned locals who have properties impacted by floodwaters and representatives of Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC). The representatives included CEO Dave Burges, Mayor Vic Pennisi, Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley and a member of the planning and development staff.
The first meeting was organised by John Ellwood of the Allora Sports Club. The second meeting was organised by Col Willett. After hearing what all concerned parties, SDRC resolved to seek legal advice and hoped to have a make decision on whether the levee bank would need to be removed or not within 30 days.
The concern is the levee bank will direct floodwater into neighbouring houses at Berat. Many residents believe multiple floods earlier this year along Dalrymple Creek were made worse by the levee bank, particularly around the corner of Raff and Jubb streets.
Allora Sports Club’s golf course was also greatly affected by flooding. Further downstream, parts of Merivale Street were washed away and have yet to be repaired.
During the first meeting, Mayor Vic Pennisi indicated part of the problem is SDRC have not been able to determine thus far when the levee bank was built.
Their historical records indicated it was built in the 1960s and Council would need evidence that makes it clear it was built more recently.
Some clarity was provided by Shirley Cornhill, who owned the land in question for 40 years. She said a levee bank was constructed then, but it was very small.
Several neighbouring landholders said they were prepared to sign affidavits regarding their knowledge of when the levee bank had been most recently constructed.
In 2013 or 2014, the levee bank was made much larger, at an estimated height that may be as high as six or seven feet. Mr Ellwood said neighbouring landholders complained to SDRC at the time, however nothing was done and as many years of drought followed, flooding was not front of mind.
Another point of contention is if the levee bank is large enough to be Council’s responsibility. The measurements are not clearly defined in the state legislation, so councils do not have authority over smaller levee banks, considered to be category 1.
Mr Ellwood said a letter from the State Minister makes it clear the levee bank is large enough to be SDRC’s responsibility.
Following the meeting, Mr Ellwood said he was satisfied with the response from SDRC, although he has been a little bit frustrated with the situation.
Mr Willett, a resident of Hillside Road, said flooding has made that road impassable several times this year, including in recent weeks after just 30 to 40 millimetres of rain.
He said a new drain installed by SDRC has actually made the situation worse, and SDRC made it clear the road was not high on their priority list.
He believes a metre-high bank should be constructed at the corner of Raff and Jubb streets to protect nearby properties from floodwaters, or else it could get ugly.
“I do fear something like Grantham,” he said. SDRC will be conducting a flood study covering Allora and surrounding areas, supported by Federal Government funding.
Deputy Mayor Bartley said the study will cover area past Kital Road, which was not included in a previous flood study done in 2010-11.
This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 9 November 2022.
