New flood warning cameras have been installed in throughout North and Far North Queensland as part of a jointly-funded $8 million investment to deliver 174 extra flood warning assets across the state.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new cameras would improve the ability for flood waters to be monitored remotely in real-time across the Whitsunday region and allow the community to be better prepared in the future.
“Improving our flood warning systems is an important way to limit the damage of future disasters,” the Premier said.
“These cameras will give locals more time to respond as threats emerge.”
Today’s announcement is a direct result of the North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough from 25 January to 14 February 2019.
Following this event, the $8 million Flood Warning Infrastructure Network Program was established to improve the flood warning infrastructure available in flood-prone areas for communities and primary producers.
“The terrible monsoon trough we experienced in early 2019 caused severe damage in the Whitsundays and throughout North and Far North Queensland,” the Premier said.
“We’ll continue to invest in new technology and equipment to help us deal with extreme weather events into the future.
“In North Queensland, the installation of more than 65 new assets – including flood cameras, signage and height gauges – will help support the resilience of communities in the local government areas of Whitsunday, Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Mackay, Charters Towers and Burdekin.
“In the Whitsundays Region, cameras have now been installed at Main Street, Gregory-Cannon Valley Road, Shute Harbour Road, Palm Creek, Hamilton Plains and signage at Crofton Creek.
“Work is also being finalised at Brandy Creek and is due to be completed by the middle of this year.
“These assets will greatly support council, first responders and communities to prepare for a flood event in real-time.
“The camera installed at the Waterson Way roundabout in particular will enable council to be forewarned about potential flooding in the main street of Airlie Beach.”
The Premier said it was a well-known fact that Queensland was the most disaster-prone state and an effective Flood Warning Infrastructure Network was an important part of the state’s approach to resilience.
“The Queensland Reconstruction Authority continues to work closely with 28 councils in the North, Far North and North West of Queensland to deliver this important program, which will bolster the state’s existing network of more than 3200 rainfall and river gauges that inform flood warnings and forecasts,” the Premier said.
“We also continue to advocate for more investment in the state’s flood warning infrastructure in response to recent flooding events, including in the South East.”
