UPDATE: Major flood resilience works in Mount Sylvia have been officially completed, ensuring urgent protection for local communities against future flooding. The $1.8 million rehabilitation project, spearheaded by Resilient Rivers SEQ, involved vital creek bank stabilization and revegetation efforts at three critical sites along Blackfellow Creek.
The project was unveiled today, November 17, 2025, with Mayor Tanya Milligan and Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald planting the final tree. This initiative is not just a local effort; it reflects a larger commitment with $1.35 million funded through the SEQ City Deal, a partnership among the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and local councils, alongside an additional $558,000 from the Queensland Government.
The resilience measures are particularly significant following the severe impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which tested the site earlier this year. Queensland Minister for the Environment Andrew Powell emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “Making the Lockyer and South East Queensland waterways more prepared and resilient to flooding is a key priority for all levels of government.”
The completed works not only protect critical infrastructure and farmland but also improve drinking water quality across the region and safeguard the internationally recognized Moreton Bay. Mayor Milligan noted, “Flood rehabilitation and resilience works are vital steps in protecting our local infrastructure and communities from future flood events.”
The project was executed in three stages since September 2024, utilizing over 12,000 tonnes of high-density blue rock and planting more than 5,000 native plants to stabilize the creek banks. These efforts are crucial, especially given the devastating floods of 2011, 2013, and 2022 that caused significant damage to both infrastructure and farmland.
Moreover, the Queensland Government has undertaken disaster recovery works along Mount Sylvia Road, enhancing five floodways with specialized concrete treatments to withstand saturation from floodwaters. These treatments were completed between July 2024 and September 2025.
The overall success of the Resilient Rivers SEQ initiative over the past decade highlights what can be achieved when all three levels of government collaborate effectively. Queensland Senator Corinne Mulholland remarked that this project demonstrates a commitment to regional food security while enhancing local water quality.
Community members and road users in the Lockyer Valley can expect substantial long-term benefits from these flood resilience works. With the wet season approaching, these enhancements provide a much-needed layer of protection against future flooding impacts.
As the region braces for potential storms, the completion of this project marks a significant step forward in flood management and community safety, underscoring the critical role of government partnerships in building resilience against natural disasters. For ongoing updates, visit www.resilientrivers.com.au.
