This was demonstrated clearly in recent years, as a number of flooding cases affected the state. Big deluges in 2013, 2011 and 2010 have all left their mark on Queensland, demonstrating how dangerous storms can be in the state.
The 2010 flooding alone cost an estimated $10 billion in reconstruction costs and damaged an estimated 18,000 residential and commercial properties around Brisbane and Ipswich, according to a report from the research company IBISWorld.
However, a range of new flood mitigation projects have been launched across the state to limit the damage caused by extreme weather events in the future.
In Ayr, south of Townsville, for example, the state government has recently committed $320,000 to flood mitigation works around the central business district. These works will prepare the area to handle future downpours and prevent the same destruction which has occurred in previous years.
The flood-prevention measures will reduce the risk of water damage in the area by roughly 50 per cent, minimising the risk to local residents and businesses when downpours from storm activity hit the region in the future.
Further north, Townsville is also upgrading its flood defences, as the area aims to prevent major storm swells from damaging the city centre in the future. Two projects in the city, estimated at roughly $1.5 million will bring greater protection to some of Queensland’s most northern residents.
With new projects planned for the north of Queensland, there will be renewed interest in apprenticeships in Townsville. These plans will require a range of trades, like civil construction, making now a good time to consider an apprenticeship in a relevant field.
Further south, flood mitigation works have also been announced for Mundubbera and Maryborough, north of Brisbane. Both projects will aim to protect town centres and residential houses from the potential risks that come from rivers breaking their banks. These areas will be preserved by building flood barriers and improved storm drainage in these towns so they can handle heavy weather in the future.
These are just a few of the projects being undertaken to mitigate the effects of persistent rain in the future. Overall, 40 councils across Queensland have committed to 80 different operations to reduce the impact of floods across the state.
By Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinator
