Flood protection training in Maryborough this month

Fraser Coast Regional Council staff will practice putting up the temporary flood levee and installing the temporary penstock gate during a training exercise in Maryborough on Sunday 15 October.

Mayor George Seymour said the temporary levee and penstock gate protected more than 70 properties during the 2022 floods, and the training was essential to ensure staff were familiar with the system and knew how to put the barriers up quickly in the event of a flood.

“The temporary flood levee kept the waters at bay for dozens of businesses during the 2022 floods, and getting it up and down quickly is crucial to both protect properties and ensure the CBD gets back to normal as soon as possible after the flood waters go down,” he said.

“Every year Council staff come together to practice deploying the flood protection system.

“This year’s training will involve putting up the flood barrier fencing at Council’s Moreton Street Depot and deploying the temporary penstock gate on-site in Adelaide Street near the Fraser Coast Motor Centre.

“The training provides an opportunity to go through the procedures in a controlled and safe environment, particularly installing the temporary penstock gate in a confined space.

“This year will also be the first time that other agencies from other levels of government will be able to observe the training.

“The exercise coincides with the Maryborough Get Ready Food n Groove being held at the Brolga Theatre Riverstage two days earlier (Friday 13 October), encouraging residents to prepare for and stay safe during extreme weather.”

The temporary penstock gate training exercise will start at 7am on Sunday 15 October and is due to be finished by 3pm.

A temporary full road closure will occur in Adelaide Street between Sussex Street and Kent Street while the training exercise is underway.

The Adelaide Street entrances to Woolworths and the St Marys Catholic Church will remain open.

“We thank residents for their patience while this important training occurs,” Cr Seymour said.