The announcement of the first tranche of priority flood mitigation projects in the Northern Rivers region has been welcomed by Shadow Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Perin Davey.
Senator Davey said the need to upgrade high-tech flood warning systems in the catchment reflected evidence given by the Bureau of Meteorology at recent Senate Estimates.
“The Liberals and Nationals in Government set aside $150 million and commissioned the CSIRO to investigate priority flood mitigation works,” Senator Davey said.
“The interim CSIRO report has identified a need for more coordinated high-tech flood warning systems among other priorities and I welcome the recommendations.
“Moving ahead with projects the communities themselves identified is a great step in the right direction.
“During Estimates hearings last week, I questioned the Bureau of Meteorology officials about flaws in the current river gauge system, due in part to multiple owners and outdated and overdue maintenance. They acknowledged the system was complex and accepted it needed an overhaul.
“I look forward to seeing the upgrade of the vital cog in river warning systems so that more accurate warnings of future floods will be available.
“I will continue to work with the Government to look at longer term solutions for the flood affected communities and look forward to the CSIRO’s further report into longer-term solutions,” Senator Davey said.
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