Flood studies to be used to improve emergency preparedness

The community provided valuable feedback on the flooding they experienced during severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in Sandy Creek, Rocky Dam Creek and Funnel Creek catchment areas at various community consultation sessions held earlier this year.

Mayor Greg Williamson said some residents reported the Cyclone Debbie flood event as the worst flooding they had experienced in their living memory.

“Residents provided a variety of useful information including rainfall data, photos, videos and flood flow direction and depth,” Cr Williamson said.

“The information was used to calibrate the models used in the flood studies.

“The feedback proved extremely valuable in understanding the flood risks in catchment areas.

“It was also useful in determining areas where council can improve rainfall and river data collection into the future.”

Council will advise the community on the results of the draft flood studies at three public information sessions including:

> Sandy Creek Flood Study Information Session 
Saturday, November 30, from 11am to 1pm at North Eton CWA Hall

> Funnel Creek Flood Study Information Session:
Sunday, December 1, from 11am to 1pm at CWA Hall, Sarina Range

> Rocky Dam Creek Flood Study Information Stall
Saturday, December 7, from 4pm to 6pm at the Koumala Christmas Fair

Those who cannot attend the sessions can view the draft flood studies on Connecting Mackay.

The draft flood studies have been prepared to assess the risk of flooding and actions to improve planning, emergency management and disaster preparedness in the catchments.

Council was successful in receiving funding assistance to undertake the flood studies through the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the jointly funded 2017-2018 Natural Disaster Resilience Program (NDRP).