Drone survey to map flood damage underway
06 July 2022
Damage from heavy rainfall and flooding of Ipswich’s major waterways is currently being mapped with drones by a contractor, on behalf of Ipswich City Council.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council was undertaking the drone flyovers until 10 July during daylight hours of local creeks and the Bremer River.
“Assessments will be made specifically on erosion and impacts to riparian areas, as well as the extent of litter and debris that has been deposited on the banks and nearby land,” Mayor Harding said.
“The data collected by the drones will inform the development a program of works to carry out clean-up activities as well as to assist council prioritise investment on stabilisation, waterway and riparian improvements over the coming months and years.”
Local Disaster Management Group Deputy Chairperson Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said the drone footage will provide important data for council.
“By having a clearer picture of the flood damage, it can inform our rehabilitation strategy and future decision-making about environmental management, and collection of flood waste which is supported by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for post flood clean up and waste,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
Local Disaster Management Group Deputy Chairperson Councillor Russell Milligan said no two floods are the same and this work will make sure council has the most up-to-date information about what our creeks and rivers currently look like.
“We have existing data from previous surveys carried out in 2009 and 2014 that these images will be compared to, so we can see how the rivers have changed and what we can be doing as a council to give our river systems the best chance for rehabilitation.”
Residents may see council’s authorised contractor flying a drone overhead. Private homes will not be filmed and no private property access is required, unless prior 'Authority to Enter' has been negotiated and confirmed with the property owner.
For more information about this project contact IED.projects@ipswich.qld.gov.au