 |
| Ipswich CBD went under water during the 2011 flood. |
THE State Government has pledged to work closely with Ipswich City Council to implement all recommendations of the Flood Commission of Inquiry.
Handing down his response to the inquiry in parliament on Thursday, Premier Campbell Newman committed to implementing the 123 recommendations related to the State Government.
The inquiry findings were handed down in March following last year's devastating deluge in South-East Queensland.
As part of their commitment to follow through with the recommendations, the Queensland Government will work with Ipswich City and Somerset regional councils to progress a Brisbane River catchment flood study.
A probability estimate of another flood occurring in Ipswich City and a potential flood alert on properties on the real estate market will also be worked on by the council and the government.
Mr Newman said there would be a big focus on working hand-in-hand with local governments.
"This response sets out in detail…our plan to support and work closely with local governments on the ground in implementing the recommendations," he said.
"Queenslanders deserve better flood maps, but we can't send councils broke in developing them. We will aim to develop a sound, properly prioritised risk-based flood mapping system across the state."
The government will also "consider" the feasibility of upgrading bridges and crossings between Colleges Crossing and the Moggil Ferry.
However, the government stated in its response, options would need to balance significant financial implications with regional and local needs.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson previously ruled out any upgrades to the crossings in the near future.
Following the scrutiny Wivenhoe Dam operators were subjected to during the flood inquiry, the government committed to a raft of recommendations about the overhaul of dam flood mitigation manuals.
The manuals will be finalised before the 2012-2013 wet season.
Many of the recommendations in the flood inquiry rest squarely on the shoulders of local governments.
In an attempt to ease the financial burden, Mr Newman said he would provide $40 million to fund council projects over three years. An additional $40 million from the Royalties to Regions initiative will also assist councils.
Local Government Association of Queensland president Paul Bell said councils' major concerns had been heeded.
"Local government will also be represented on four of the five working groups the premier has established to ensure the implementation of the response to the inquiry remains on track," he said.
8.6.12
