Funding announced for Miners Rest flood works

The Australian Government is working in partnership with City of Ballarat to make Miners Rest more resilient to severe weather events and safer for the community.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King and City of Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves on Thursday announced joint funding of $5.906 million for the Miners Rest Flood Mitigation project.

In recent years Miners Rest has experienced flooding during storms, highlighting the need for improved drainage infrastructure and flood prevention measures, particularly around the Burrumbeet Creek.

The City of Ballarat has already completed flood modelling in line with the latest climate change projections and has developed concept designs for the future flood mitigation works.

The detailed designs, which are now being finalised, will focus on targeting flood prone areas, while also minimising the impact of works on local residents and the environment.

Project works will include an increase in the levy bank system around Miners Rest Wetland Reserve and new levy banks around the Burrumbeet Creek, as well as an upgrade of the Victoria Street Culvert and increased elevation of Albert Street and drainage upgrades within the town.

The new investment of $2.915 million from the Australian Government in addition to the City of Ballarat’s existing commitment of $2.991 million ensures the project will be now delivered, with construction expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.

The Miners Rest Flood Mitigation project is one of 96 projects across Australia sharing in $200 million from Round Three of the flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).

Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:

“Across Australia we are seeing more extreme weather events as result of climate change and Ballarat is no different.

“We know that Miners Rest in particular experiences ongoing flood issues and modelling of Burrumbeet Creek has found many properties are at risk and in need of flood protection.

“This round of the Albanese Government’s Disaster Ready Fund is providing over $9 million for projects in and around Ballarat to improve disaster resilience and keep communities safe.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of City of Ballarat Tracey Hargreaves:

“These flood mitigation works will ensure long-term benefits for the community at Miners Rest and we are very pleased to be supported by the Australian Government on this project.

“The designs will soon be finalised before going to tender for construction, and once complete the work will see a greater reduction in flood risk along the Burrumbeet Creek.

“Council is pleased that this will ensure greater protection of homes and livelihoods for the Miners Rest community.”

Quotes attributable to Committee for Miners Rest President David Harris:

“After severe flooding back in 2011 the Miners Rest community rallied together to advocate for this sort of work to be done. The City of Ballarat has been able to support us, and now the Commonwealth Government as well, and it’s great that we’re getting this excellent result.

“About 30 to 40% of Miners Rest residents have young families, and many people travel to and from the town. When flooding has occurred, it has impacted people’s ability to pick up kids, get to and from work and generally caused a lot of stress for our residents.

“These works, in particular the new levies and changes to the ford will be really appreciated.”