Original story by Emilie Gramenz, ABC News
The Queensland Government says it is considering building up to eight new dams in the south-east.
Water pours from a floodgate at Wivenhoe Dam after the 2011 flood. Photo: Kerrin Binnie/ABC News
The State Government’s flood plan was yesterday opened to public comment and proposes earlier water releases from Wivenhoe Dam, north-west of Brisbane, during major flood events.
Premier Campbell Newman is expected to announce further details of proposed new dam sites today.
Transport Minister Scott Emerson says the State Government is also investigating raising the Wivenhoe Dam wall by up to eight metres.
“It will be flooded in the future, but if we look at ways and means to mitigate the amount of flooding that will occur, we want to do that,” he said.
“What the Premier will be discussing today will be ways we can possibly do that, including changes to Wivenhoe and changing the walls at Wivenhoe.”
Mr Emerson says the Government is focused on preventing a repeat of the destruction of the 2011 floods.
“We’ll be going out there, making an announcement today and detailing it to the public, and getting their feedback,” he said.
“The announcement comes after the Government’s flood plan was yesterday opened to public comment.
“It proposes earlier water releases from Wivenhoe Dam during major flood events.”
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