Construction is set to soon begin on one of Numurkah’s most anticipated projects, with earthworks scheduled to start for the $3.5 million northern levee from early May.
As the first stage of the broader Numurkah Flood Mitigation levee project, construction will see a 3.12km levee constructed from the Goulburn Valley Highway through to Kinnairds Road.
The levee will be a mix of earthen levee and concrete retaining walls supported by batters, connected by demountable flood barriers at key road crossings.
The first major section of works will begin along Station St near the wetlands from early May, which is expected to take about two weeks.
Construction will be carried out in blocked segments, timed to ensure smooth progress and minimal impact on traffic and pedestrians in key areas.
Some sections of nearby walking tracks will be closed during construction, and traffic management will be in place when construction moves near roads.
Local contractor Mick Hogan Excavations has been appointed to carry out the works, which are expected to be completed in late 2025.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM said it was fantastic for the community to see this significant infrastructure project get underway.
“Welcoming the start of construction for the levee is something Council is really excited to do, and it’s rewarding to see the extensive community planning come to fruition,’ Dr Emonson said.
“The beginning of construction is a key, long-awaited milestone for the Numurkah community. A lot of work has gone into the design and planning of the levee by the Numurkah Flood Mitigation Implementation Committee, to ensure it will protect residents but also aligns with the community’s expectations and to integrate with local landscapes as much as possible.
“It’s great to get to this stage, and we appreciate the community continuing to work with us to progress this project.”
Spanning from the Goulburn Valley Highway and Needham/Station streets at the start, the levee alignment follows an existing walking track around the wetlands before it cuts through Council’s depot, before tracking along the walking path near Broken Creek and Gray Street. It will continue along the path along Quinn St following the creek to Kinnairds Road.
Planning has carefully considered the best option to construct the levee through the Melville/Brenion Street intersection and Louis Hamon Rose Garden, with the park area to be re-established following the levee construction.