Storm tide flood mapping completed

Published 30 August 2011

Moreton Bay Regional Council has completed a project examining the possible effects of storm tide inundation.

Mayor Allan Sutherland said the storm tide hazard study had been adopted at today’s council meeting.

“The study represents the next phase in a program of flood mapping work that will provide council and the community with a better understanding of the areas that may be impacted during storm events such as a cyclone,” Mayor Sutherland said.

“This phase of council’s flood mapping project includes the mapping of storm tide impacts for coastal areas, soon to be released on council’s website”.

“Flood maps will continue to be updated on council’s website as new data emerges.”

“The combined effect of normal tides and the storm surges on our region is considered in the study, including how these might change into the future.”

Mayor Sutherland said the study had been conducted to ensure property owners were fully informed about the possible effects of extreme storm surges.

“Property-specific storm tide data will be made available to residents in coming months via council's property flood search process,” he said.

“In coming weeks it is expected property owners will be able to visit Council's website and view an updated range of region scale flood mapping and be able to request a property flood report including storm tide impacts.”

Mayor Sutherland said council had adopted a cautious approach by modelling across a range of storm tide scenarios.

“The next stage of the project will look at what strategies council and the community can adopt to manage these risks.

“It is important to keep this study in perspective. In the main we are talking about situations and scenarios with a low possibility of occurring,” he said.

“However, this information is valuable as it will allow property owners – and of course council – to consider such scenarios when planning and undertaking building works.”

Mayor Sutherland said the program of flood mapping work was just one of the many measures being implemented by council to boost the preparedness of the region for natural disasters.