People living downstream of dams will receive clearer and more timely information about dam releases following an independent review by the Inspector-General of Emergency Management Iain MacKenzie.
Earlier this year, Inspector-General MacKenzie was asked to review warning systems provided by Seqwater and SunWater to communities downstream of their dams.
Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark Bailey said the Inspector-General had identified several ways warnings could be improved.
“For communities throughout Queensland living downstream of dams, timely and accurate notifications of potential flood waters passing their properties is crucial to help them stay safe, prepare and recover from severe weather events,” Mr Bailey said.
“While a number of improvements have been made in recent years to communication between SunWater, Seqwater and downstream residents, community feedback following floods in the Callide and Brisbane Valleys earlier this year suggested more could be done.”
Mr Bailey said he had called for the review because he believed it was crucial for residents living and working downstream of dams to receive timely and clear notifications of any controlled dam gate openings.
“Inspector-General Mackenzie’s report contains a series of recommendations to more clearly identify which residents living near dams need to be warned about dam releases, and advice on improving emergency alerts that are sent to provide warnings to residents,” Mr Bailey said.
“Education campaigns will also be developed to better inform people living downstream from dams about potential gate openings and the operation of warning systems within their local area.”
Mr Bailey said SunWater and Seqwater will begin implementing the recommendations immediately.
“The Department of Energy and Water Supply and other government agencies will also act on the Inspector-General’s recommendation to review policies and regulations which support effective communication during flood events,” Mr Bailey said.
“SunWater, Seqwater and my department will continue to consult with community members, dam owners and councils as these recommendations are implemented.”
