Today, Rockhampton Regional Council carried out its annual flood barrier exercise in preparation for the upcoming flood season.
The exercise, which involves practicing the assembly of a temporary flood barrier, is actioned annually to familiarise officers with the safe and rapid deployment of the barrier, which ultimately helps protect residents during floods.
Deputy Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Councillor Drew Wickerson said floods can have significant physical and emotional impacts on the community, and these exercises are vital to ensuring we minimise those impacts in the event of a flood.
"With flood season happening from November to April, now is a good time to be undertaking this exercise. I am pleased to report this year was another successful exercise," Councillor Wickerson said.
"Today Council officers undertook a practice set up of a 100-metre section of the 400-metre-long flood barrier, followed by an inspection and review of the completed section.
"The flood barrier is made of collapsible galvanised steel supports, aluminium sheets, and a waterproof membrane, and helps to protect residents up to a flood gauge level of approximately 9.5 metres.
"A key feature of the barrier is that it can be assembled quickly once severe weather warnings are received which is vital during an emergency situation.
"With flood season around the corner, I urge everyone to think about their own preparations for extreme weather events.
"Of course, the temporary flood barrier is something we hope we don't need to use, however Rockhampton residents know that the reality of severe weather is possible."
The temporary flood barrier forms part of the North Rockhampton Flood Management Area – Emergency Response Plan.
