Seeking flood of local knowledge
RESIDENTS of Palm Cove are urged to share their experiences of floods in the suburb as Cairns Regional Council plans for the future.
The council and engineering consultants GHD are preparing a new drainage management plan (DMP) for the area.
Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds said the consultants would review existing documentation and data but nothing was better than local knowledge.
“Palm Cove has changed significantly in the past 20 years and will only continue to grow,” he said.
“We need to make sure that we have the right measures in place to manage the heavy rain and flooding that is part and parcel of living in the tropics.
“Whether you are a longterm resident or someone new to the area, we want to hear about your experience during flooding events and also learn where problem flooding is happening today.
“We are particularly keen to collect any photographs that people may have.”
Information from the community will be key to determining the accuracy of flood modelling, confirm water flow paths and flooding hot spots;and identify drains for upgrade or improvement.
Residents are asked to provide information and photos to GHD by August 25, by email to palmcovedmp@ghd.com or by post to GHD, Drainage Management Plan Palm Cove, PO Box 819, Cairns 4870.
The draft DMP will be available for public comment in early October.