THE flood inquiry has heard increased releases from Wivenhoe Dam in the weekend before last January's historic flood would have been an irresponsible "gamble".
Sydney-based hydrologist Mark Babister has fronted the inquiry this morning to explain his latest report.
The inquiry has reconvened amid accusations four Wivenhoe Dam engineers mismanaged the dam during the January flood then confected a report to hide their tracks.
Specifically, it has been suggested the engineers did not move into higher release strategies in the crucial weekend before the January 13 flood peak to give Wivenhoe the opportunity to swallow more water, and reduce flooding.
Mr Babister, who has now authored eight reports for the inquiry, has reinforced earlier findings the dam engineers did a good job in dam management.
Had the dam engineers increased flows on the weekend of January 8-9 they would have been ignoring prevailing conditions and contributing to unnecessary flooding, he said.
"They would have been taking a massive gamble," he said.
Mr Babister has also produced models showing higher releases would have reduced flooding in Brisbane by 50cm.
But, again, he told the inquiry that in the prevaling conditions last January such a tactic was not warranted.
"I have very strongly expressed my opinion that neither were practicable, and highly risky," he said.
Mr Babister said flooding in the rain events was inevitable.
A member of the inquiry attempted to ask a question of Mr Babister as he was leaving the witness stand.
Commissioner Cate Holmes said people were welcomed to make written submissions but should not attempt to interrupt the inquiry vocally.
The inquiry continues.
10.2.12
