GOONDIWINDI Regional Council is taking proactive steps to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the Goondiwindi levee bank.

Starting Thursday, March 20, Council and its contractors will conduct important investigations to determine the future stabilisation needs of the levee bank that runs alongside the Macintyre River.

These investigations, known as geotechnical drilling, are similar to a detailed ‘health-check’ for the riverbed and bank that supports the levee bank itself.

It is important Council has a thorough understanding of its current state in order to implement the best possible stabilisation techniques and prevent future degeneration.

Weather and river levels permitting, the drilling will continue until early April.

Residents can expect to see a barge with drilling equipment operating on the Macintyre River between the Yambocully Pump Station and Boyle Street.

Council requests that all river users be aware of the barge and it give plenty of space while it’s working.

Goondiwindi Regional Council mayor Lawrence Springborg has emphasised the importance of these investigations.

“Our levee bank is a vital part of our town’s infrastructure. It has kept the Goondiwindi township from being inundated with flood waters for the last 69 years, and we need to ensure that it is kept in the best possible condition so that it can continue to do so well into the future,” Cr Springborg said.

Goondiwindi’s Macintyre River (Image: Tim Bateup)

“These investigations will provide us with the information we need to make informed decisions about future repairs and stabilisation activities.

“When we have this information we will share it with the community,” he said.

Residents along the impacted areas adjacent to the levee bank have been directly notified of these works.

However, anyone with queries is welcome to contact Council.