An improved levee will be built in southwest Queensland’s Thargomindah following last year’s devastating floods – and politicians expect the development to help relieve high insurance costs.

A $15.47 million investment from federal and state governments has been provided under the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program.

Funded projects include $10 million to design and begin work on a levee to protect Thargomindah, and $470,000 for Quilpie Shire Council to replace six concrete floodways. 

Another $5 million will help identify locations for flood monitoring assets and install flood gauges.

Work is also under way on a flood levee in Winton, with concept designs in development to protect the pump station and southern side of town.  

Both Quilpie and Thargomindah were hit by record-breaking floods early last year, breaching the current levee and inundating homes. 

The initiatives will be co-ordinated by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, in partnership with local councils.

“Last year’s flooding disaster will not be in vain, and we are determined to use those events to grow our resilience,” Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy said.

“Not only will the flood protection be critical, it will also put downward pressure on insurance, which has become increasingly out of reach for Queenslanders in many flood-prone regions.”