WHITSUNDAY Regional Council has begun work on an almost $1m upgrade of the stormwater drainage system, kerb and channel, and road pavement along Hinschen St.

Mayor Jennifer Whitney said $956,000 was committed in the 2014-15 budget for the first stage of this significant upgrade, which will ultimately help improve Proserpine's flood immunity.

The area around Hinschen St regularly floods during heavy downpours, such as the one that occurred during Cyclone Ita in April.

West End Cash Store business owner John Haswell, whose premises is located just across the rail line from Hinschen St, said he had owned his shop for two decades and that flooding was a yearly occurrence.

He remained sceptical as to whether the works would reduce the effect of flooding.

"The water was up for about an hour (during Cyclone Ita). We've been here for 20 years and it's the same thing. Every time it rains it comes up and as soon as it stops raining the drains catch up," he said.

Mayor Whitney said that once all the stages of construction were complete the new drainage system would help divert flood water coming off the Sugar Mill site, Faust St and the railway, reducing the risk of flooding in the area.

"This project will add another significant portion to the upgraded drainage work started nearly 20 years ago, greatly reducing the flood risk of the existing storm water system.

"This upgrade project is another example of council's commitment to building more flood-resilient communities.''

Mayor Whitney said the upgrade works included the installation of reinforced concrete box culverts and associated pavement reconstruction with kerb and channelling.

Traffic delays will occur at times as a result of the upgrade works.

Weather permitting, the works will be completed by January 2015.

Subsequent works will be completed and funded in the next financial year.