21 May 2022
Flood protection for Mayo │ Fleurieu Sun
The east coast has been drenched in 2022 with extensive flooding in New South Wales and Queensland.
It could happen in South Australia and the Federal Government is investing more than $9.5 million to upgrade the Mount Bold Dam, to prepare and protecti Mayo communities from future devastating flood events.
“The recent floods along Australia’s eastern seaboard have once again demonstrated the devastation that can be wrought by major floods in this country,” Senator for South
Australia Andrew McLachlan said.
“That’s why we are continuing to make significant investments to protect communities,
individuals and businesses from disasters in an increasingly complex natural hazard
environment.
“In 2016, parts of Old Noarlunga were flooded twice in a matter of months, with residents having since reported that in order to include flood protection, their insurance premiums increased by up to 600 per cent.
“This funding will support increasing the level of flood attenuation provided, while Mount
Bold Dam is being upgraded, to safely pass the probable maximum flood over the dam’s
spillways, without causing it to fail.”
The latest National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure projects are funded from the Emergency Response Fund, with 15 projects worth $50 million.
These projects are in addition to the 22 projects announced in May 2021 under round 1 of the Program.
Mount Bold Dam holds South Australia’s largest reservoir and it is vital that this piece of
infrastructure is maintained to maximum standards.
City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Simon McMahon said council was thrilled with the federal government funding through the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program, and the upgrade would help protect the lives and properties of the Old Noarlunga community.
“Securing additional flood protection has been a key focus of council since the funding shortfall was identified in 2019, and it has been the number one priority in our Advocacy Plan, so it’s fantastic our hard work and funding commitment has come to fruition,” Acting Mayor Mr McMahon said.
“This decision recognises the community needs to be future proofed from the impacts on the increased risk of flooding caused by climate change, minimising the risk of another devastating flood event in Old Noarlunga.
“A huge thank you to the federal government and Senator McLachlan, who has been instrumental in achieving this outcome. Thanks also to the state government for joining forces with us in the funding application and co-contribution.
“Finally, thank you to the community for making your voices heard, particularly the Old Noarlunga Community Residents Association, which also advocated tirelessly.”
Pam Scanlon, from the Old Noarlunga Community Residents Association (ONCRA) said the funding announcement was an exciting development for Old Noarlunga residents’ future.
“The 2016 floods were devastating for Old Noarlunga,” she said.
“While the town has flooded before, to varying degrees, it was the speed and level of the water, the flooding of roads first, making evacuation difficult and the lack of warning that is still in the memories of residents today.
“We live close to nature at the entrance to the Onkaparinga Gorge and while we can accept some associated challenges, the historic township and its residents are extremely grateful to be supported by federal, state and local governments with this grant for additional flood mitigation.
“This confidence should allow our community to become even more cohesive and strengthen our part in the modern history of the region. It is an exciting development for our future.”
For further information on the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program visit
https://recovery.gov.au/nation...
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