Port Pirie Regional Council - Climate Change Issues Presentation to Planning Institute of Australia South Australian Division 1
Quick Overview of Port Pirie City of Port Pirie is a regional centre located within the Upper Spencer Gulf. Population approximately 15,000 with large proportion elderly. Developed on tidal flats therefore requires protection from sea inundation by way of levee bank (current level 3.4/3.65AHD). Subject to flood events (tidal and storm water) on average every 20/25 years. 2
History of Flood issues Has been subject to major tidal events 5 times in the last 100 years. Has been subject to major storm water events twice in the last 30 years last one 19-20/1/2007, with similar prior event 31/12/1979. Projected potential cost of major event of $10 s of millions and up to 1,800 properties affected. 3
Risk Management 1991 major flood study conducted and identified $9.1m of mitigation works required including flood warning system, installation of flood levee and significant storm water drainage works across the city, including a number of retention basins. By 2006 flood levee majority constructed and approximately 15/20% of identified storm water mitigation works completed. 4
Risk Management (2) Lack of disaster and flood management plan. Lack of scheduled maintenance program for pumps, lagoons and rising mains. Community accustomed to flood events. Overall condition of existing storm water infrastructure questionable. 5
Risk Management (3) 1991 Development plan included principle of development control. Development should only take place: (a) on land which is protected from flooding by higher land, tidal levy banks and storm water drainage where the probability of water reaching to within 0.25 metres of floor levels is less than 1 percent, taking into account protection measures, and an increase of 0.3 metres in mean sea level and in the height of extreme tides above the levels, respectively, existing on the 1 January 1981; (b) involving the erection of a building on land which is not protected from flooding by higher land, tidal levee banks and storm water drainage where the site level of that building is not less than 3.15 AHD and any floor level of that building is not less than 3.4 AHD. Up until 2006 it has been apparent that little attention was taken of this principle in issue of development approvals. 6
The Current Situation The Council has placed development conditions on applications calling for floor levels to meet 3.4AHD, LMA s and engineering justification for any lower building floor levels. Applied and won federal government support for the development of a disaster management plan and is working with emergency bodies in the development of such plan. Applied and won funding support from the federal and state government for the completion of the flood levee. Applied for funding assistance from the State Government to complete an update of the current flood potential and prioritise storm water mitigation works. Has implemented a regular testing regime for storm water infrastructure. 7
The Salient Reminder of things can and do happen The area has been subject to drought conditions but what s happening? 27 March 2006 the Broughton river which runs through Port Pirie Regional Council over banked at a number of locations as the result of up to 175 mm of rain within the upper reaches of the catchment. Noted as a 1:50 year event. 19/20 January 2007 storm waters flood City of Port Pirie, Township of Napperby and surrounding area with up to 125 mm of rain across the area. Noted as 1:50 year event. Damage bill for Council infrastructure in excess of $2m. 8
The morning of 20/01 01/2007 9
How are we tackling the issue Council has adopted a long term strategic plan which has allocated a total of $10m towards flood mitigation works over the next ten years. We are hoping to gain significant Federal and State Government assistance. A local disaster management plan will be completed by June 2007. 10
Climate change - what s s in it for us Higher levee bank More flooding possible More damage More mitigation expenditure More planning and coordination And somewhere there s litigation someone to blame!!!!!!!!!!! 11
Are we ready for climate change? I m not a betting person!!!! 12