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| Cr Paul Tully |
Southeast Queensland could face another major flood tragedy unless there are significant water releases from Wivenhoe and Somerset dams, according to Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully.
Wivenhoe Dam has reached 99.4 percent capacity in the wake of the 2011 flood with Somerset Dam 100 percent full.
In November 2011, the state government lowered the level of Wivenhoe Dam to 75 percent to reduce the likelihood another devastating Brisbane River flood.
Cr Tully, himself a flood victim, said Seqwater appeared to have learnt nothing from the 2011 flood.
"We have had a wet autumn and winter and there are only 19 weeks to summer but the dam is being held at levels reminiscent of the the weeks leading up to last year's flood.
"Wivenhoe Dam engineers admitted to the Floods Inquiry they paid no regard to weather forecasts in managing the dam and let nature take its course.
Cr Tully said the state government had a duty to the people of Brisbane and Ipswich to reduce the level of Wivenhoe Dam to 75 percent in the lead up to this year's summer.
"It is incomprehensible they have buried their heads in the water and crossed their fingers hoping for a dry summer.
"Wivenhoe Dam should be properly used for flood mitigation with dam levels lowered each summer.
"Residents are fearful of another Brisbane River flood and feel the bureaucrats have abandoned them in their quest to maximise dam levels."
Cr Tully said the state government should look at building another dam in southeast Queensland to enable Wivenhoe Dam to be used principally for flood mitigation.
"Joh Bjelke-Petersen promised Wivenhoe Dam would prevent major Brisbane River floods.
"Seqwater is playing with people's lives and again mismanaging the operation of Wivenhoe Dam," Cr Tully said.
PaulGTully@gmail.com
