Queensland projects top flood risk management awards

Toowoomba Regional Council has attracted a top honour for flood mitigation for its Flood Risk Assessment, Planning Evaluation and Scheme Amendment project (FRAPESA). The project was named NRMA Insurance Flood Risk Management Project of the Year and the recent Floodplain Management Australia National Conference on the Gold Coast. "Thanks to widespread community input, council has compiled some of the most comprehensive flood studies in the country," Toowoomba Regional Council Acting Mayor Carol Taylor said. "Specialist engineering studies have been augmented with residents’ historical details to inform flood studies at 35 locations across the region. Subsequent flood risk assessment allows council and the community to better understand the flood risk to life and property." Cr Taylor said the council would continue to modify the Regional Planning Scheme to facilitate flood studies and hazard studies in line with statutory requirements. Stage One of the North Rockhampton Flood Management Area (NRFMA) was also recognised as one of the top flood risk management projects in the country. The NRFMA received the 2018 Highly Commended Award at the Floodplain Management Australia national excellence awards after it protected 400 homes during last year’s flood event. The temporary flood barrier in Berserker, prior to tarp being laid over it. Rockhampton Regional Council infrastructure committee chair Cr Tony Williams said the award was a testament to the hard work of council and engineering firm AECOM. “Stage One of the North Rockhampton Flood Management Area was well and truly put through its paces during last year’s floods and it was an incredible success,” Cr Williams said. “The 377m temporary flood barrier on Ellis and Rodboro streets in Berserker saved 400 houses from being flood-affected and it’s fantastic to see that success acknowledged on the national stage." AECOM Rockhampton office manager and project lead Ben McMaster said they were very proud of the award after working with the council throughout the project. “We want to acknowledge the council and Fitzroy River Water staff who worked during the 2017 flood event to operate the system," Mr McMaster said. “The success of the North Rockhampton Flood Mitigation Scheme demonstrated the value and the benefits to the local community. We hope it’s the first of many flood mitigation projects in the region.” Griffith City Council received a special commendation at the awards for its project, installing first flood warning system in the Mirrool Crk catchment.

Queensland projects top flood risk management awards

Industry Queensland

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