The proposed new levee banks, decades in the planning, will basically cut Katherine in two in the event of a big flood.

Residents are being asked to comment on the plan to build levees which protect Katherine East but leave large chunks of residential areas and the CBD open to floods from the river.

The levees are expected to mitigate flood damage from smaller more frequent floods. 

The decision follows the Katherine Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee’s 2015 recommendations to minimise flood impacts in Katherine.

Recommendations include a combination of levee banks and drainage. 

According to a Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) fact sheet “a combination of levee banks from Auster Street to Stuart Highway and along the eastern side of the Victoria Highway in addition to upgraded drainage will provide the greatest reduction in flood impact. ” 

In 2014 $25 million was allocated to Katherine, following the sale of a TIO, to safeguard the town from future floods. 

The Katherine Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee (KFMAC) was established in January 2015, tasked with providing recommendations to the previous Government on how the funding could be best spent to mitigate the impact of flooding, a NT Government spokeman said. 

“As at May 2018 the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics has recorded $14.2 million on flood mitigation measures for the Katherine region,” the spokesman said. 

“The balance of $10.8 million will be distributed across the capital works program for the delivery of the remaining structural mitigation measures in Katherine.” 

The levee design will include a combination of earth embankment and concrete wall.

An NT Government spokeswoman said the levees are anticipated to be built in the 2019-20 financial year. 

The government is seeking feedback on the proposed levees. To have your say head here to fill out an online survey. 

https://www.katherinetimes.com.au/story/5187049/counting-down-to-disaster/