The Queensland Government has commissioned two US agencies for an independent review of Seqwater’s report into the January 2011 floods.

Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle says the US Bureau of Reclamation and the US Army Corps of Engineers are world leaders in dam and flood mitigation.

The experts will visit the Wivenhoe and Somerset dams this week and report by September 24.

“While the Government’s preference was to use Australian dam and flood mitigation experts, this appointment gives Queensland residents, especially flood victims, absolute independence in this important review,” Mr McArdle said.

The Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry recommended a review of the March 2011 flood event report.

The US Bureau of Reclamation operates 457 dams and dykes in the US and the Army Corps of Engineers owns and operates more than 600 dams.