What happened to the Wivenhoe Dam in 2011?
What happened to the Wivenhoe Dam in 2011?
More than 6,500 residents won the landmark class action in 2019 after Queensland water authorities were found to have negligently managed the dam in the January 2011 floods, exacerbating damage to homes. The historic settlement covers 50 per cent of the $880 million liability for damages.
What dams feed Wivenhoe?
Wivenhoe Dam, along with the Somerset, Hinze and North Pine dams, ensures South East Queensland’s water demand will be met into the future. Wivenhoe Dam consists of an earth and rock embankment, with a concrete spillway section on which five steel crest gates are installed.
Why is Wivenhoe so low?
He said Wivenhoe Dam’s low levels are a result of consecutive “failed … wet seasons”. “When you look at the history of [Wivenhoe] from [2011] to [2013, 2015], big rainfall events have filled those storages, unfortunately we’ve had failed consecutive wet seasons,” he said.
What river flows into Wivenhoe Dam?
the Brisbane River
Wivenhoe Dam is located on the Brisbane River in the Somerset Regional Council area. Wivenhoe Dam’s primary function is to provide a safe drinking water supply to the people of Brisbane and surrounding areas. It also provides flood mitigation.
Does Kedron Brook flood?
Brisbane’s iconic Kedron Brook has broken its banks, spilling over bikeways and bridges.
What type of flood was the 2011 Brisbane flood?
During the January 2011 event there were two major floods. The first of these was a severe flash flood that occurred on the afternoon of Monday 10th January in the inland city of Toowoomba and downstream in the Lockyer Valley (Figure 2).
What type of dam is Wivenhoe Dam?
Embankment dam
| Wivenhoe Dam | |
|---|---|
| Type of dam | Embankment dam |
| Impounds | Brisbane River |
| Height | 59 m (194 ft) |
| Height (thalweg) | 23 m (75 ft) AHD |
How did Wivenhoe Dam contribute to the Brisbane flood?
Although the report acknowledges that flood waters from the Lockyer Creek and Bremer River contributed to the Brisbane flood, the hydrologists found the releases from Wivenhoe Dam created the primary “floodwave”.
Where was the flood in Queensland in 2011?
Inundation from flooding in Brisbane in January 2011. Thousands of Queenslanders have won a class action over the release of water from the Wivenhoe and Somerset dams before and during the floods. Photograph: Dave Hunt/EPA
What did the victims of the Brisbane flood get?
Victims of the 2011 Brisbane floods will be paid $440 million in compensation from a class action against the Queensland government and Sunwater, in a partial settlement over the operation of the Wivenhoe Dam, north-west of Brisbane.
What did the victims of the 2011 flood get?
Flood victims win $440 million in compensation from the Queensland government and Sunwater in a long-running class action over the operation of Wivenhoe Dam during the 2011 floods while Seqwater is yet to settle the remaining 50 per cent. Skip to main content ABC News Homepage SearchLog InLog InMore from ABC