NSW’s deadly one-in-100-years floods could have been slashed by two metres using dams, CSIRO finds
Summary
A CSIRO report found that building 10 new dams in northern New South Wales could have lowered flood levels by about two metres during the severe 2022 floods. However, these dams would not have been enough to stop a key levee in Lismore from being overwhelmed, causing major damage and loss of life.Key Facts
- The floods in northern New South Wales from February to April 2022 were described as a one-in-100-years event.
- These floods caused 13 deaths and damaged or destroyed over 14,000 properties.
- The total damage from the floods is estimated at 16 billion Australian dollars.
- The report says 10 new water detention dams could have reduced flooding by about 2.1 metres.
- Despite this reduction, the 3.8-metre overflow of the Lismore central business district levee would still have happened.
- The state and federal governments have not yet agreed to build the dams but announced a $3 million feasibility study.
- Some local residents suggest other solutions, like moving parts of the town to higher ground.
- Previous flood resilience efforts have involved $150 million in federal funding.
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