The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) recent outlook has included a potential for a La Niña weather event, bringing heavy rains to south eastern parts of Australia and a higher risk of floods in the North East catchment.
The last time a significant La Niña event happened in Australia was between December 2010 and March 2011 which resulted in the country’s wettest two-year period on record.
In October 2016 a similar event saw Corowa’s entire Ball Park area inundated with flood water causing devastation to the caravan park as the river swelled to seven metres.
If the same was to happen this year, it would cause disruptions and possible damage to the construction of the $10.3 million Corowa Aquatic Centre.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke told The Free Press that council was prepared for any emergency situation and would be directed under the principles and procedures of its Local Emergency Management Plan.
“The Ball Park Precinct, and other low areas within the Corowa area that were subject to flooding in 2016 are still flood liable as they are within the natural floodplain area in Corowa,” Cr Bourke said.
“Council would be guided by the State Emergency Service who are the lead agency in these types of circumstances.
“We continue to actively work within the Local Emergency Management framework to manage any events should they arise, with relevant state agencies and other stakeholders.”
Cr Bourke also pointed out that the Corowa Aquatic Centre is on the same site as the previous pool complex which is above the 100-year flood event in that area.
“The new Corowa Aquatic Centre is being constructed to meet flood requirements which was stipulated as part of the development consent,” he said,
“Ball Park Caravan Park is now better prepared to handle a flood event following the removal of many vans and structures that were within the 2016 flood levels.
“Council also has recently applied and received funding to renew the flood planning for Corowa, Mulwala and Howlong to ensure we can continue to plan and provide solutions to better mitigate future major flood events.”
While dam levels in 2016 were over 90% at the same time of the year, the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) emphasised that authorities should be prepared regardless as La Nina events can be unpredictable.
Currently, the latest dam figures showing the Hume Dam at 67% and rising with more rainfall expected over the next week. Dartmouth Dam was at 56 per cent capacity on Tuesday.
MBDA Executive Director of River Management, Andrew Reynolds said the Hume and Dartmouth Dams usually stop much of the flooding that would otherwise occur along the Murray River at this time of year.
“In order for Hume Dam to spill we still need considerably more rain. As the dam continues to rise, we will monitor levels and weather outlooks and adapt our operations to the conditions that emerge,” Mr Reynolds said.
“For now, we are still focussed on continuing to fill the dam and make additional water available to entitlement holders.”
Mr Reynolds stressed that the MDBA works with local councils, landholders and state government agencies at all times.
“The river is a dynamic environment so planning ahead helps to identify and manage risks to river operations and water supply. We plan for a range of conditions, from extreme dry to very wet—nobody knows for sure what the weather will bring,” he said.
“In 2016, floods were not caused by the MDBA sending water down from the Hume Dam.
“The MDBA held back as much water as we could to mitigate flooding but eventually the excess water had to be released from the dam and allowed to flow down the river.
“The dam had no spare capacity to hold back water and prevent flooding.
“It is important to note that if rivers that enter the Murray below the Hume Dam are running high, their flow is not able to be captured and controlled and could possibly result in the Murray flooding. We are not able to predict if and when this will happen too far ahead of time.”
VICSES north east region Acting Assistant Chief Officer Neil Payn said people should be aware if they live in a flood-prone area by checking local flood guides at ses.vic.gov.au/get-ready/your-local-flood-information.
“Some areas are prone to less predictable and very dangerous flash flooding, which can happen quickly and with little warning, like homes on high ground and freeways,” he said.