Brisbane River study to help protect from future floods

A $1.16 million study into the water hydrology of the Brisbane River catchment will help create new systems which can better handle future floods.

As part of the Newman Government’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry’s Final Report, the Brisbane River Catchment Flood Study will review the expected magnitude and frequency of flood flows for the catchment.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps and Brisbane City Council Environment Chairman Matthew Bourke said flood-affected communities welcomed the study.

“The study will investigate the potential impacts of future floods on areas in the Brisbane River catchment, with a strong focus on Lockyer Creek, the Bremer River and major tributaries such as Oxley Creek,” Mr Cripps said.

“Brisbane River Catchment councils including the Brisbane City Council, Ipswich City Council, Somerset Regional Council and the Lockyer Valley Regional Council are working with my department on the study.

“It will deliver a comprehensive model that the councils can use to assess the likelihood of future floods within the catchment and will allow them to better manage these events and minimise their impacts.”

Mr Cripps said Aurecon Australia would lead the study in partnership with Royal HaskoningDHV, Hydrobiology, Deltares and Don Carroll Project Management.

“The consortium is a strong mix of local knowledge and international expertise and has a proven ability in delivering complex hydrologic studies,” he said.

Cr Bourke said the study was an important tool for all affected councils.

“Council continues to improve Brisbane’s flood resilience through its Flood Action Plan, which is delivering stronger infrastructure, improved warning systems and better preparedness for residents and businesses,” he said.

“The Brisbane River is a complex catchment stretched across many different council areas and we will continue to support the State Government in their delivery of this study.”

Mr Cripps said a steering committee of state and local government representatives would provide overall governance of the project, which is expected to be completed in late 2015.

“It is great to see such an important study get off the ground, particularly with the contribution of so many parties,” he said.

Further information on the Brisbane River Catchment Flood Study is available on the DNRM website at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au or by emailing brcfs@dnrm.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 2 October 2013

Media contact: Eleisha Rogers 0413 375 088