How prepared the Rockhampton region is if a flood event strikes

Rockhampton is no stranger to major flood events, and no flood is the same. With weather experts not ruling out a flood event in Rockhampton for 2022, we took a look at how prepared the region was if one was to strike.

It has been five years since Rockhampton recorded its last major flood event and 11 years since the events of 2011, but weather experts haven’t ruled out the possibility of one coming this year just yet.

Former Win News weatherman Peter Byrne said the next six weeks were some of the most volatile times for the weather pattern in Central Queensland.

While the region received some rain between December and January, Mr Byrne said he believed the current La Nina could still “bring home the bacon” and didn’t rule out a flood event this year.

“Without speculating too much, the next six weeks are generally most volatile so there’s potential (for flood), there’s already been a flush of the Fitzroy. So it remains a possibility over the next six or seven weeks,” he said.

Rockhampton’s last flood was in 2017 when the Fitzroy River peaked at 8.9 metres, 0.29m higher than the 2013 peak.

BoM's flood level gauge for the Fitzroy River.

The flood was the aftermath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, which was the strongest cyclone to hit Queensland since Cyclone Marcia in 2015.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the current La Nina is close to or at its peak, and is expected to persist until early autumn.

In its latest climate driver update, which was released on Tuesday afternoon, BoM said the period between February and March was “peak cyclone season”.

“Significant weather can still occur as La Niña weakens, especially as the peak of the Australian tropical cyclone season is around February/March,” the update said.

“Most atmospheric indicators also show clear La Niña patterns, with decreased cloudiness along the Date Line and trade winds either close to average or slightly increased.

“While the 30-day Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) has experienced some short-term fluctuation, the 90-day SOI is still firmly in La Niña territory.”

How prepared are we for a flood event in 2022?

There are a number of preventive measures that council has at the ready to deploy for a flood event and these are regularly tested.

Residents in flood prone areas also have their own measures in place including emergency place and kits in case they’re stuck in their house or need to evacuate.

Rockhampton mayor and chair of the local disaster management group Tony Williams said council had a flood management strategy in place which detailed its plans for preparation, response and recovery, as well as steps that have been taken to mitigate risk.

“Many residents will be aware, for example, that we practice assembling the North Rockhampton temporary flood barrier each year – which is a 400 metre long flood barrier designed to protect about 500 homes,” he said.

The temporary flood levee in Berserker protects about 500 homes. Pic: Tim Marsden

“There are a number of upstream river gauges that give an early warning when the Fitzroy is likely to flood here in town and by how much, which means we can get these barriers up in time.

“We also have backflow prevention devices on stormwater outlets in North and South Rockhampton which reduce the risk of flood water rising through the stormwater network.

“Our region is certainly no stranger to flooding, which also means that most of us know what to expect and we how to prepare.”

Mr Williams said the Local Disaster Management Group had detailed plans in place to co-ordinate its response when major storms or floods strike.

“At a recent LDMG meeting we went through a major flood exercise to ensure we’re ready to act if need be,” he said.

“If a storm does approach or we start to see flood levels rising, make sure you’re keeping an ear out for BoM issued warnings and an eye on Council’s Emergency Dashboard at emergency.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au.”

How do I prepare?

Rockhampton Regional Council’s website has a number of resources and plans detailing its response to a flood event and how to prepare for one.

One of these resources is a fact sheet on five steps to prepare for a flood.

The first step is understanding the risk, because there are no two floods that are the same.

The Rockhampton region experiences four types of flooding, river flooding, creek flooding, overland flow and storm tide flooding.

BoM uses a three tiered classification scheme that defines flooding as minor, moderate of major at key river height stations in the Fitzroy River.

According to council’s flooding fact sheet, each classification is defined by the water level that causes certain impacts upstream and downstream of the station.

• Minor flooding: Causes inconvenience such as closure of minor local roads and low bridges.
• Moderate flooding: Low lying areas will be inundated requiring removal of stock, equipment and evacuation of homes. Some major roads or access points may be covered.
• Major flooding: Higher areas will be inundated with isolation of towns and properties causing extensive damage.

Aerial views of flooded areas of Rockhampton in 2011.

It is also important to prepare your household emergency and evacuation plan to keep yourself and your family connected and safe.

Like during a storm or cyclone, it’s important to also have an emergency kit with essential supplies in case you are unable to leave your home for an extended period of time and also an evacuation kit if it becomes unsafe to stay in your home.

It’s also important to keep your home and your pets prepared so you are ready for the next flood events.

To find out if you live in a flood prone area and to see tips on how to be prepared for a flood event, visit the council Emergency Dashboard to access flood mapping for the Rockhampton region.

Alternatively contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 22 55 77 or 07 4932 9000 to obtain information on the flood risk for your property.

Originally published as How prepared the Rockhampton region is if a flood event strikes