North Wagga is one step closer to seeing its levee raised to a 5 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability level. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Plans for a new levee in Wagga’s north have taken a step forward, with the Federal Government allocating more than $9 million to the project.
The plans would involve raising the levee system to a 1-in-20 chance of a flood event in any year, or 5 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) level from its current 1-in-8 chance of a flood event in any year/12 per cent AEP level.
The cost for the levee rise is expected to be about $18.2 million, with the federal funding covering 50 per cent.
Wagga Wagga City Council was allocated the money following a successful bid in round three of the Federal Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, with 18 projects splitting $68.42 million.
Just down the Sturt Highway, Narrandera was also successful in its bid, securing $14.2 million to improve its urban stormwater mitigation.
Wagga Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout said the council had committed to providing the remaining 50 per cent of the levee project’s cost to support the design and construction phases.
“The co-investment reflects the strategic priority of the project within the council’s infrastructure and disaster mitigation agenda,” Councillor Tout said.
“The project will involve raising the height of six kilometres of the existing levee by approximately one metre, which will enhance North Wagga’s ability to prepare for and respond to future floods.
“It will reduce reliance on emergency evacuations and temporary housing, support more integrated emergency planning, and protect critical local infrastructure and access routes essential for emergency services.”
The levee system’s reconstruction is due to begin in mid to late 2026, with additional mitigation works to be undertaken for properties outside the levee that are adversely impacted by the upgrade project.
“This project was investigated for over 10 years, with extensive community consultation undertaken as part of early planning and feasibility studies, along with detailed flood modelling and hydrological analysis by industry experts,” Cr Tout said.
“The final Flood Mitigation Options report for North Wagga reviewed several options in consultation with the community and determined this was the most appropriate way to proceed.
“It supports strategic planning and land use decisions that prioritise community safety and long-term resilience.”
