Works to protect the Wandobah Road area from future flood events is set to commence during the week beginning 13 November.

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to accept a tender from Daracon Group Gunnedah to undertake works on the Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Planning and Development Carolyn Hunt said the project aims to reduce the impact of flooding from Blackjack Creek to properties and residences in the Wandobah Road area.

“The $3.2 million Project is a recommendation of the Blackjack Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan 2010 to ensure one-in-100 year flood events are contained and surrounding properties are protected,” Ms Hunt said.

The Project involves creating channel banks and deepening, widening and the realignment of 1.9 kilometres of Blackjack Creek, between McCalls Road and Oxley Highway, to increase capacity. It also includes the installation of storm water pipes under Wandobah Road, and associated road works, as well as the removal and replanting of trees in the area.

“Revegetation works in Wandobah Reserve and along Wandobah Road will be staged throughout the Project, with approximately 500 trees to be planted in the area, creating a potential koala corridor,” Ms Hunt said.

A sod turning ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 7 November 2017 from 11:00am at Blackjack Creek near the Lions Club Rest Area on Mullaley Road. Gunnedah Shire Council and Daracon Group will officially declare the site open for construction.

For more information on the project contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or view the Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project FAQ Sheet.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.