Flood barrier training to protect Rocky residents

Published on 19 October 2017

Following recent heavy rain and predictions of more to come, Rockhampton Regional Council has this week been practicing the assembly of the Region’s temporary flood barrier to ensure it is ready to use if needed during wet season. The barrier was first used earlier this year to protect hundreds of properties from floodwater backing up from Frenchman’s Creek.

The barrier, which is made of collapsible galvanised steel supports, aluminium sheets, and a waterproof membrane, is over 400m long and helps to protect residents up to a level of 9.9. It can be assembled quickly once weather warnings are received, and is staffed 24 hours a day when in use.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Councillor Williams, said Council was doing everything it could to prepare in case floods hit our Region once again.

“Obviously we hope it’s something we won’t have to use, but we have to deal with the reality that severe weather is possible.

“The barrier held strong earlier this year and we are assembling and inspecting it this week to make sure it would do so again if needed. We are training extra staff on how to operate the barrier – they are learning from those who did such a fantastic job last autumn.

“Council is also working hard to lobby state and federal government to secure funding for the next stage of the North Rockhampton Flood mitigation project, which would protect nearly 100 more homes.

“As always at this time of year, it’s very important that residents are thinking about their preparations too. Is there rubbish you could remove from your garden? Are your drainpipes clear? Do you know how to monitor local weather warnings? Who would you go and stay with if you had to leave at short notice? These are all things that can reduce the impact of flooding if it hits.”

For more information, visit the Council’s Be Prepared page. 

Please note, this is part of a wide range of training and preparation exercises – the assembly of the flood barrier is not a response to any specific warning.