Plibersek unveils new national flood warning network
A national flood warning network will be set up in a bid to better protect at-risk communities from natural disasters.
The federal government will spend $236 million in the next decade to set up the network, with the Commonwealth to buy and upgrade flood gauges from local, state and territory governments.
It follows advice from independent inquiries set up following last year’s devastating flood season that the federal government assume responsibility for the flood gauge network, with it previously being described as patchwork.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the national network would give communities in flood-prone areas and emergency services more reliable and accurate information.
“Severe weather events, including floods, are becoming more extreme and more frequent. The people of Queensland and northern NSW especially know that from recent tragic experience,” she said.
“Reliable flood warnings will help Australians prepare for moments of extreme weather. It will keep people safer as they happen.”
Work on flood gauge repairs will begin first in Queensland, following advice by the Bureau of Meteorology due to the state’s high flood risk.
Stay informed, daily
Upgrades to high-priority catchments can begin in every state and territory, should cost-sharing arrangements be agreed to.
Emergency Services Minister Murray Watt said the national network would help to minimise possible damage from flood events.
“We’ve seen communities hit by terrible disasters in recent years, and this investment will mean people are given time to protect themselves, their property and their land,” Senator Watt said.
“We know that reliable early warnings are critical to keep people safe, and limit the physical impacts and costs of flood events.”
