Commonwealth supports flood inquiry findings

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19 November 2012

Work to expand and centralise flood data for future studies is well under way, according to the Federal Government’s response to the Queensland floods inquiry.

In a report to Parliament, Attorney-General Nicola Roxon says the Government has agreed in full or in part with the 38 recommendations relevant to the Commonwealth.

One of the key recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry is the creation and maintenance of a “repository of data” for a comprehensive flood study.

The Government says projects addressing the “intent of the recommendation” are under way, including a National Flood Risk Information Portal and a revised Australian Rainfall and Runoff guide by Engineers Australia – the first update for 25 years.

The Australian Water Resources Information System, which collates rainfall and river data, the national flood-mapping program and a spatial policy framework are other initiatives.

Ms Roxon says the Commonwealth is working with states and territories under the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience.

“Australia must learn from each disaster and build its resilience to future events, and the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry provides some important lessons,” she said.

Other recommendations for the Federal Government relate to locating telecommunications facilities to minimise flood exposure and improved monitoring of contaminants in marine environments affected by mine discharges.

On the commission’s call for better collaboration between the federal and Queensland governments and mine operators to monitor contaminants, Ms Roxon says the Commonwealth will give assistance through relevant agencies, including the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.

Also see ANALYSIS