Over the past 12 months and leading into forecasts of a La Nina weather pattern, Somerset Regional Council has commissioned new localised flood studies across the towns of Esk, Kilcoy, Toogoolawah, Minden, Lowood and Fernvale.

These localised flood studies, called local floodplain management plans, will improve our understanding of floods in Somerset’s urban areas and meet the recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry including:

• Councils in floodplain areas should develop comprehensive floodplain management plans in accordance with best practice.

• A recent flood study should be available for use in floodplain management for every urban area in Queensland.

• For urban areas, Councils should develop flood maps and property specific flooding information for use by the general public Council is seeking community input into the new flood studies and will be undertaking consultation under a COVID-19 Safe Plan at three locations as below.

Technical officers will be available to discuss the flood studies including new mapping. RSVP’s are not required:

Kilcoy – Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre – 13 October 2020 - 4pm to 6pm

Esk – Somerset Civic Centre – 14 October 2020 - 11am to 2:00pm

Fernvale – Fernvale Community Hall – 14 October 2020 - 4pm to 6pm

The flood study mapping will also be available on Council’s website until 23 October 2020 and comments and feedback can be provided via email to mail@somerset.qld.gov.au.