April 26, 2019
Toowoomba Regional Council is inviting Yarraman and Cooyar residents to comment on draft floodplain risk management measures over the next few weeks.
Deputy Mayor Carol Taylor said the TRC had completed region-wide flood risk studies which had classified Yarraman, Cooyar, Maclagan, Quinalow, Crows Nest, Jondaryan and Oakey as high-priority areas requiring further flood risk management analysis.
“As an essential next step, Council has developed a Floodplain Risk Management Plan for each community,” Cr Taylor said.
“These plans contain flood risk management measures designed to reduce flood risk in each community.
“We are now seeking community feedback these measures.
“Community feedback will be used to guide the development of a final set of floodplain mitigation measures for each community which Council will then consider.”
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In Yarraman, recommendations include:
- Flood awareness and preparedness be improved via an education program
- Yarraman Memorial Hall evacuation centre be stocked with adequate emergency supplies
- An early warning system be investigated
- Flood warning signs be installed on the New England Highway
- A local flood emergency plan be developed
It has not recommended:
- The construction of a bypass flow or detention basins
- Vegetation clearing or revegetation upstream
- Flood-proofing buildings
- Flood levees
- Voluntary purchase of properties or house-raising
In Cooyar, recommendations include:
- Channel improvements at the McDougall Street crossing
- Flood awareness and preparedness be improved via an education program
- Cooyar Memorial Hall evacuation centre be stocked with adequate emergency supplies
- Ensure the hall car park can be used for emergency helicopter landings
- An early warning system be investigated
- A local flood emergency plan be developed
- Investigate upgrading Gracey Street to improve evacuation routes for Cooyar State School
- Develop a list of properties for prioritised emergency assistance based on the vulnerability of residents
It has not recommended:
- The construction of a bypass flow or detention basins
- Vegetation clearing or revegetation upstream
- Construction of a flood mitigation dam
- Flood-proofing buildings
- Flood levees
- Setting minimum building structural standards
- Widening creek channels
- Voluntary purchase of properties or house-raising
More information about the draft proposals can be viewed online or in hard copy at TRC Customer Service Centres.
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Feedback can be made up until 5:00pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 by:
1. Emailing Council on yoursay@tr.qld.gov.au, Attn: Floodplain Risk Management
2. Mailing written feedback to the Chief Executive Officer, Toowoomba Regional Council, PO Box 3021, Toowoomba, 4350, Attn: Floodplain Risk Management
3. Submitting written feedback in person at a Customer Service Centre
4. Phoning Council on 13-18-72 to provide feedback to the project team or request a meeting.
