The Newman Government has taken another step to strengthen Queensland’s flood resilience by announcing an independent Advisory Council to provide advice on flood mitigation manuals used by flood engineers during flood events at Wivenhoe and Somerset dams and North Pine Dam.
Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Flood Mitigation Manuals was a recommendation of the Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry’s final report.
“This Advisory Council has a critical role as the manuals guide operational decisions about water release rates during a flood event – when a dam exceeds its full supply level and it is necessary to open its gates to release excess water,” he said.
“Importantly, this Advisory Council, which will meet for the first time today, consists of qualified, independent individuals with no involvement in the development of the revised flood mitigation manuals.”
Mr McArdle said Seqwater would prepare and submit revised flood mitigation manuals for Wivenhoe and Somerset dams and North Pine Dam, for approval, before the next wet season.
“As responsible Minister, I need to consider how competing objectives are balanced, including minimising downstream disruption for small flood events and protecting urban areas during large flood events,” he said.
“This process enables me to draw on the engineering and hydrological expertise of the Advisory Council to make evidence-based decisions when approving a manual.”
Mr McArdle said the four SEQ councils directly impacted by flood operations at these dams were invited to provide a representative and to date Ipswich City Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council have done so.
“Brisbane City Council and Somerset Regional Council are yet to nominate a representative to ensure the advice I receive is relevant to their local government areas.”
Mr McArdle said Advisory Council Chair Rowena McNally brings extensive knowledge of the water industry from her work on the Mount Isa and Gladstone Water boards, in addition to a wealth of experience from her work as an accredited arbitrator, facilitator and lawyer.
The Ministerial Advisory Council for Flood Mitigation Manuals includes:
Ms Rowena McNally, Independent Chair
Mr William (Bill) Weeks – Director (Hydraulics), Department of Transport and Main Roads and Registered Professional Engineer Queensland
Mr Geoff Garrett (Queensland Chief Scientist)
Mr Carl Wulff – Chief Executive Officer (Ipswich City Council)
Mr Steve Roso – Principal Engineer (Moreton Bay Regional Council).
Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle
2 May 2013
Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Flood Mitigation Manuals was a recommendation of the Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry’s final report.
“This Advisory Council has a critical role as the manuals guide operational decisions about water release rates during a flood event – when a dam exceeds its full supply level and it is necessary to open its gates to release excess water,” he said.
“Importantly, this Advisory Council, which will meet for the first time today, consists of qualified, independent individuals with no involvement in the development of the revised flood mitigation manuals.”
Mr McArdle said Seqwater would prepare and submit revised flood mitigation manuals for Wivenhoe and Somerset dams and North Pine Dam, for approval, before the next wet season.
“As responsible Minister, I need to consider how competing objectives are balanced, including minimising downstream disruption for small flood events and protecting urban areas during large flood events,” he said.
“This process enables me to draw on the engineering and hydrological expertise of the Advisory Council to make evidence-based decisions when approving a manual.”
Mr McArdle said the four SEQ councils directly impacted by flood operations at these dams were invited to provide a representative and to date Ipswich City Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council have done so.
“Brisbane City Council and Somerset Regional Council are yet to nominate a representative to ensure the advice I receive is relevant to their local government areas.”
Mr McArdle said Advisory Council Chair Rowena McNally brings extensive knowledge of the water industry from her work on the Mount Isa and Gladstone Water boards, in addition to a wealth of experience from her work as an accredited arbitrator, facilitator and lawyer.
The Ministerial Advisory Council for Flood Mitigation Manuals includes:
Ms Rowena McNally, Independent Chair
Mr William (Bill) Weeks – Director (Hydraulics), Department of Transport and Main Roads and Registered Professional Engineer Queensland
Mr Geoff Garrett (Queensland Chief Scientist)
Mr Carl Wulff – Chief Executive Officer (Ipswich City Council)
Mr Steve Roso – Principal Engineer (Moreton Bay Regional Council).
Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle
2 May 2013
