Coal production from the 200 million tonne Curragh North coal resource in Central Queensland commenced in late 2005. The mine is located on the eastern floodplain of the Mackenzie River, and requires a 22 km long flood levee before operations can proceed. The earthfill embankment will generally be 1 m to 5 m in height; however, in eight locations the height will be between 11 m and 15 m. Although the levee’s primary function is to protect the mine from flooding it will also form part of the site water management plan, retaining run-off across the 31 km2 site