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Flood-proofing work begins at Charleville

Charleville has flooded several times in the last two decades. - ABC

Work has begun on a long-awaited $14 million plan to help flood-proof Charleville in Queensland's south-west.

The Murweh Mayor Denis Cook says the scheme includes diverting Bradley's Gully, which runs through the town, and extending part of a levee.

Charleville has flooded several times in the last two decades and a levee on the Warrego River protected the town earlier this year from inundation.

Councillor Cook says a $6 million contract has been signed and the work should be completed by the wet season.

"We're actually diverting Bradley's Gully into the river but it's actually three diversions," Councillor Cook said.

"Roadtek will be doing the main diversion, but council we are doing the first diversion, which is actually an extension of the previous levee bank.

"We've started on that and are working six days a week on that now."

Councillor Cook says while no community can be completely 'flood-proof' the scheme will help protect homes and property.

"You can't beat nature," he said.

"There is some water that will still come down the Gully but we can control what comes down, and the rest goes into the river.

"It will give people a piece of mind, that's I think the main thing."


- ABC

© ABC 2012

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