Australia: New funding to expand award-winning flood resilience system
The Palaszczuk Government has committed a further $880,000 to extend the reach and effectiveness of Logan City Council’s Flooded Road Smart Warning System (FRSWS), and to conduct a new flood impact study of the Logan and Albert Rivers.
The money will fund up to 50 new flood warning signs, which will be built and serviced at Logan not-for-profit social enterprise Substation33.
Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said the funding would ensure the FRSWS could continue delivering results – protecting motorists and creating jobs in the community.
“More than 100 roads across Logan were flooded following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, and this system successfully kept vehicles out of floodwaters at the sites where signs were installed,” Mr Dick said.
“That’s why we’re committing an additional $770,000 in funding to expand this terrific technology. The system is saving lives by reducing the risk of vehicles being driven into floodwaters.
“If it’s flooded, forget it. It’s a simple message, and one that’s strengthened by the Flooded Road Smart Warning System – which features innovative warning signs being built right here in Logan.
“Keeping communities safe during natural disasters remains a top priority of the Palaszczuk Government, and investing in this network of signs is one way we’re delivering on that.”
The signs – installed on flood-prone roads in the local area – are activated automatically when needed, but require a human to deactivate them, to ensure the roadway is safe.
Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman said with storm season approaching, this investment could not come at a better time.
“The new signs will work as a reminder and indicator for drivers to ensure they travel safely and not take unnecessary risks during heavy rainfall,” Ms Fentiman said.
“This is a wonderful initiative for Logan and a fantastic partnership with local social enterprise Substation33.
“Meanwhile, the study into the Logan and Albert River will assist us in planning for the future, for the safety of the Logan community.
City of Logan Acting Mayor Cherie Dalley confirmed council will also contribute a further $330,000 to the project.
“Every year we see footage of drivers entering floodwaters and getting into difficulty. We want to put an end to this sort of dangerous behaviour,” Ms Dalley said.
“These road signs are linked to a computer network and display live flood and road information, helping drivers pick the safest route.
“The signs can automatically update flood information on council’s website, and provide real-time information to other web pages.
“The end result from this funding will be an advanced, extensive network of flood warning signs that will greatly contribute to the overall safety of roads in Logan.”
The FRSWS is environmentally sustainable, and has been built using recycled materials that would have otherwise been sent to landfill.
Substation33 founder Tony Sharp said the social and environmental value of the project can’t be understated.
“Our volunteers and workers are helping construct and maintain these signs – resulting in reliable, steady work and fantastic upskilling opportunities,” Mr Sharp said.
“We’re also seeing e-waste destined for landfill instead being diverted and recycled, and solar charging utilised, which is both innovative and cost-effective.”
This latest disaster resilience funding tranche from the Palaszczuk Government also includes $110,000 for an updated Logan and Albert Rivers flood study.
“The study will leverage the latest in aerial laser modelling technology to help inform the community on how to better manage future flooding events, including evacuation planning and floodplain management,” Mr Dick said.
“These projects demonstrate our commitment to the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience and working towards making Queensland the most disaster resilient state in Australia.”
The Flooded Road Smart Warning System received the 2017 National Award for Local Government in the Road Safety Category.
This new funding follows an initial $375,000 commitment from the Palaszczuk Government, which complemented $250,000 allocated by Logan City Council.