Changes to Wivenhoe Dam operations

The Queensland Government is planning to change the way Wivenhoe Dam is operated to help better protect homes and businesses from future major flood events.

Following the 2011 Flood event, the Queensland Flood Commission recommended a study into management options to look at water supply security, dam safety, downstream impacts and economic benefits.

The Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam Optimisation Study has found that releasing water earlier would allow for greater protection to downstream communities during a major flood event.

Releasing the study today, Premier Campbell Newman said this decision could mean a reduction in a major flood peak in Brisbane by up to 10 per cent.

“There is no question the region will experience another major flood event,” Mr Newman said.

“This strategy is designed to avoid a mass release of water, as occurred during the 2011 flood event.

“It is designed to save businesses and homes from a repeat of the heart break suffered in 2011.”

Mr Newman said that with the release of the Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam Optimisation Study, the 2011 floods are now one of the most studied flood events in the world.

“This is about learning from the past and preparing for the future,” Mr Newman said.

“My team and I want to have the best possible arrangements in place to reduce the impacts of future flood events and that is what this strategy is designed to do.”

Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the Government had weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of 32 different options for operating Wivenhoe Dam during small, large and extreme floods.

“How the dams are operated affects communities in the Moreton Bay, Fernvale, Ipswich, Brisbane and Somerset regions,” Mr McArdle said.

“We want the community to think about the trade-offs between water security and flood mitigation.

“More bridges and crossings downstream will be flooded using the new operation method, but it creates extra space in the dam to protect houses and buildings from damage during a major flood.

“I can appreciate that the early release of water may cause some difficulties for residents who use bridges below the dam such as Colleges Crossing, but that’s why we will be consulting with the public on this decision,” he said.

To help the public understand the studies, discussion papers have been developed and information on how to provide feedback and comment on the reports is available on the Department of Energy and Water Supply’s website.

Public consultation meetings will be held throughout the Brisbane, Ipswich, Somerset and Moreton Bay council areas.

[ENDS] 1 April 2014 

Media Contact:         

Premiers Office          Mitch Grayson 07 3719 7000

Minister’s Office         Phil Hind 0437 334 183