Community ideas welcome on better dam management

South east Queensland residents can now have their say on the future management of the Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine dams.

Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said a series of public meetings would look at the ideas outlined in the optimisation studies released last month to boost flood mitigation efforts downstream of the dams.

“The studies will lead to improved management of the dams to better protect homes and businesses during future major flood events,” Mr McArdle said.

The optimisation studies for the dams were a recommendation of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry following the 2011 floods and outline a series of potential options to improve mitigation of major flood events.

“As well as accepting written submissions which can be made online, we’re inviting members of the public to have their say at a series of public consultation meetings,” Mr McArdle said.

“We need people to tell us about how the different options affect them and their community."

Mr McArdle said that while it was impossible to flood proof Brisbane and Ipswich, the Newman Government was keen to investigate what could be done to reduce the impact of floods in the future.

Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam draft optimisation study meetings

• Tuesday 20 May 6 – 8pm – Conference Room 3, 80 George St, Brisbane City

• Wednesday 21 May 6 – 8pm – Leichhardt One Mile Community Centre, 1-17 Denman Street, Leichhardt, Ipswich

• Thursday 22 May 6 – 8pm – Fernvale Futures Complex, 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway

• Thursday 29 May 6 – 8pm – The Greek Club, 29 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane

North Pine Dam draft optimisation study meeting

• Tuesday 27 May 6 – 8pm – Pendicup Community Centre, 365 Samsonvale Road, Warner

   

  Mr McArdle said the options outlined in the studies were also designed to avoid, or delay, a mass release of water as was necessary during the 2011 floods.

  “Some of the options would increase the likelihood of bridges and crossings downstream of Wivenhoe Dam being flooded. However, this would create extra space in the dam to help protect houses and buildings from damage during a flood,” Mr McArdle said.

  “We understand that the early release of water would likely cause some difficulties for some residents and that’s why it’s important we consult with the local community,” he said.

  “The North Pine Dam Optimisation Study recommends lowering the dam to 90 per cent of its full water supply level for up to 20 years to reduce the likelihood of the dam wall being overtopped during a major flood, while also providing more warning time ahead of an impending flood to residents living downstream.”

  To help people understand the studies and trade-offs that must be balanced, discussion papers and information on how to provide feedback and comment on the reports are available on the Department of Energy and Water Supply’s website at www.dews.qld.gov.au or by phoning 13 QGOV (13 7468).

  People wishing to attend a public consultation meeting can register their interest by sending an email to optimisationstudies@dews.qld.gov.au.  

  [ENDS] 5 May 2014

   

  Media Contact: Phil Hind 0437 334 183