Flood risk is a persistent challenge for inland Queensland communities, where essential water infrastructure is often exposed to extreme rainfall, isolation and prolonged recovery periods. In Winton, recent flood events have reinforced the vulnerability of critical assets and the need for long-term planning to protect the water supply during severe weather.
More than $226,000 in new funding has now been approved to help Winton Shire Council investigate flood mitigation options for the town’s pump station, a key asset underpinning local water security. The funding will support a feasibility study, including the development of a concept design for a flood levee to reduce the impact of future flood events.
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Protecting pump stations during flood events
Pump stations are among the most flood-sensitive components of regional water systems. When compromised, they can disrupt supply, damage equipment, and significantly delay recovery efforts. The Winton study will assess how targeted flood mitigation infrastructure could safeguard the pump station and maintain operational continuity during high-flow events.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the investment is aimed at protecting critical infrastructure before damage occurs.
“This investment is about planning and ensuring that local residents are better prepared for when flood events occur,” McBain said.
The study is expected to provide council with a clear understanding of viable mitigation options, design requirements and indicative costs, creating a pathway for future construction planning and funding decisions.
Recent floods underline urgency
The funding approval follows recent monsoonal rainfall that caused flooding across the region, leading to road closures, isolation and impacts to essential infrastructure. Winton Shire Council was recently activated to access Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements support to assist with response, clean-up and repairs.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the timing of the project reflects the reality facing flood-prone communities.
“Just in the past week, floodwaters were threatening Winton, highlighting why it’s essential to get this solution right,” Leahy said.
Leahy said the project would help move the town from reactive recovery towards long-term resilience.
“This funding enables Winton Shire Council to develop a flood levee concept design to protect critical water infrastructure and improve water security,” she said. “It also paves the way for future construction planning and cost estimation.”
Delivered through Queensland’s resilience framework
The project will be delivered under the five-year $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program, which is jointly supported by the Queensland and Australian governments. The program is funded through efficiencies in the Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and focuses on addressing known resilience gaps before disasters strike.
Rather than focusing solely on post-disaster recovery, the program supports feasibility studies and planning to help councils make informed decisions about infrastructure investment in high-risk locations.
“This funding will significantly boost Winton’s resilience to flooding,” Leahy said. “The program is addressing critical resilience gaps for communities like Winton and supporting efforts to ensure we’re better prepared for the future.”
Building water security into resilience planning
While current funding does not cover construction, the feasibility study is a critical first step toward protecting Winton’s water infrastructure. For regional councils, early-stage planning can reduce uncertainty, shorten delivery timelines and improve the likelihood of securing future capital funding.
As flood risk intensifies across inland Queensland, projects like Winton’s pump station study highlight the growing importance of embedding water security into disaster resilience planning, ensuring essential services remain operational when communities need them most.