As part of a commitment to improve disaster risk management, Townsville and Thuringowa City Councils released a major study assessing the risk of damage from storm tides in the region. Storm tides occur when strong winds from a cyclone generate currents that push a raised mound of seawater, called a storm surge, onto the shoreline. This surge, combined with the astronomical tide, is called a storm tide and can cause severe flooding of coastal areas, particularly if it coincides with the high tide of the day.
Released in November, the Storm Tide Study pinpoints local areas and properties most at risk, with a total of 165 homes in Townsville and Thuringowa found to be prone to inundation from a once in a 100 years storm tide.
Townsville Mayor and Townsville Thuringowa Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Councillor Tony Mooney, said the region’s exposure to cyclones means it must be prepared for storm tides.
“Every cyclone produces a storm tide and while not all storm tides prove to be dangerous, it’s something we certainly need to consider,” Mayor Mooney said. “Because it is an event that doesn’t occur that often, we are mindful many people may not fully understand the dangerous nature of storm tides. The best way to prepare for any disaster is to educate and prepare people and this is what this latest study is helping us to do.”
Mayor Mooney said the study conveys that fewer homes than previously thought will be at risk of flooding from a once in a century storm tide.
“We’re also pleased to know that most of our key infrastructure would not be affected,” he said.
Thuringowa Mayor, Councillor Les Tyrell, said the study found only 14 Thuringowa homes may be impacted by a 100 year storm tide event.
“This indicates the foresight and value of our development and planning standards,” he said. “Similarly, the majority of our critical infrastructure would also escape the effects of a once in a century storm tide. We have always maintained standards that are above the recommended planning standards and this has worked to the advantage of our residents.”
The study results will now be used by the Bureau of Meteorology to improve its storm tide warning capabilities and by the Townsville Thuringowa Local Disaster Management Group to update its disaster management plan for storm tides. Both Councils will also use the information to better regulate inappropriate development in storm tide prone areas to reduce the risk to residents and infrastructure.
The Storm Tide Study is the third in a series of four natural disaster studies conducted by the Councils in response to State and Federal Government moves to improve risk management.
