General News
6 June, 2024
Flood levee to be assessed more than 10 years after Carisbrook was inundated
After locals spent years “pushing for answers”, the Carisbrook Flood Levee’s effectiveness will finally be assessed through a $30,000 independent review — and according to the community, it’s “the greatest thing ever” to happen. The...
After locals spent years “pushing for answers”, the Carisbrook Flood Levee’s effectiveness will finally be assessed through a $30,000 independent review — and according to the community, it’s “the greatest thing ever” to happen.
The move is being spearheaded by the Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC), in partnership with a group of ten community members.
Together, they’ve formed the Carisbrook Levee Independent Review Reference Group, which includes:
Community representatives — Keith McLeish, Trish Coutts, Peter Higgins, Ian Boucher, Wayne McKail, Judi McKail, Paula Forbes, Greg Corcoran, Bryan Perry and Leonie Van Rooyen.
Council staff — CEO Lucy Roffey, acting general manager infrastructure, assets and planning, Bill Millard and manager community engagement Kylie Long.
Councillors Anna De Villiers and Wayne Sproull.
Having met twice, the group has identified an independent engineer from New South Wales — Fred Spain, who will be appointed to conduct the review with the final report to be provided by the end of September 2024.
The levee was originally constructed in response to the 2010/2011 flooding that led to the evacuation of the Carisbrook township and left over 250 properties inundated.
Designed by specialist water consulting firm, Entura, the development of the levee has been a major source of contention among residents — they believe it would not do enough to curb the impact of a flood event similar to the one 13 years ago.
In a ‘wish list’ collated by locals, there are a number of “concerns” they feel “need to be addressed to contribute to a far more efficient outcome for the present levee design”.
The list primarily covers suggestions around the addition and changes to culverts in various sections of the levee, as well as creek clearance from Williams Road to Hood Street.
According to reference group member, Mr McKail, this document has been sent to the assessor and his opinion will help provide clarity to all parties involved.
“All we’ve wanted from day one is for council to sit down with us, go through the wish list, hear our concerns and tell us that we’ve got nothing to worry about,” he said.
“If a professional comes around and assesses the levee, and says its fine, we will be happy with that, we will trust his take on it.”
Formation of the review group and the actions taken since, Mr McKail added, will be paramount in easing long-held anxieties.
“It’ll give people peace of mind and that’s the most important thing,” he said.
“We should have been in this position sooner, the community has been pushing for answers for a long time — but we’re here now.
“I am elated because it feels like we’re finally being listened to and even though we are not at the end of it, getting an independent assessor in is the greatest thing ever.
“If this works out right, I’m praying and hoping it will be the start of a whole new relationship between community and council.”
When Mr Spain releases his report later this year, CGSC will retain a major role — acting as the ultimate decision-maker in response to the recommendations, including any actions that might be implemented and funded.
“Implementation of recommendations as with any review will depend on the complexity, cost and benefits,” council CEO Ms Roffey said.
“The review will give us all a deeper understanding of the levee and what it is capable of — our hope is that it will give the Carisbrook community the confidence it needs in what has been built.
“We remain committed to doing everything we can to support the Carisbrook community in managing flood mitigation.”