FLOOD RISK RULES MACKAY SHOWGROUNDS OUT AS A HOSPITAL SITE

A detailed assessment of the Mackay Showgrounds confirms it presents too unacceptable a risk of flood inundation to be considered as a site for a hospital.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today Queensland Health had completed the assessment in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, the Urban Land Development Authority, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Queensland Treasury.

“Unfortunately, the showgrounds have a significantly higher risk of flooding than the existing Mackay Hospital site which would continue to remain accessible during a flood via the Hospital Bridge,” he said.

“There were still obvious signs of flooding when I visited the Mackay showgrounds on Tuesday which reinforces the official assessment.

“I’m advised the heightened flood risk makes the showgrounds unacceptable as a site for an emergency facility such as a hospital.

“At 10.092 hectares in size, the showgrounds site is also 2.4 hectares smaller than the existing Mackay Hospital site.”

Mr Robertson said the assessment found:

• The highest recorded flood level for the Pioneer River occurred in 1958 at a peak of 9.14 metres above sea level.

• The showgrounds site, which lies between 6 and 8 metres above sea level, was inundated in 1958 to a level that would be unacceptable for the establishment of a hospital.

• In contrast, the existing Mackay Hospital site, which lies between 11 and 13 metres above sea level, is safe from a Q100 (one in 100 years) flood event.

• The existing Mackay Hospital site is on average 5 metres higher than the showgrounds site.

Mr Robertson said the flood risk assessment drew upon Mackay City Council minimum building floor level requirements and an Australian Government Mackay Community Risk Report: http://www.ga.gov.au/hazards/reports/mackay/

“For example, council records show the Mackay showgrounds have a ground level of between 5.50 - 7.00 metres.

“They also indicate water levels on the showgrounds site during a Q100 flood event could reach between 7.12 - 7.67 metres.

“That certainly makes the showgrounds subject to flood inundation.

“Minimum building floor levels at the showgrounds would also need to be between .97metre and 2.47 metres higher than existing ground levels to comply with council requirements.

“I’m advised this would create many difficulties in designing for a hospital; including equitable access for the disabled.

“In addition, a Q100 flood event could cut road access to the showgrounds site making it unsuitable for the development of a hospital.”

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government was committed to achieving the best health service outcomes for Mackay.

”The planning we need to do is well advanced,” he said.

“A draft Clinical Services Plan identifying short, medium and long-term initiatives to improve local health services is completed and now with key stakeholders for their input.

“A Master Plan for the Mackay Health Service District – which will include future options for the Mackay Base Hospital - is also well advanced.

“On completion, the draft Master Plan will be presented for consultation and feedback by key stakeholders before final options and recommendations are presented to the State Government for consideration,” he said.

MEDIA: Paul Lynch 3234 1190