Mapping out flood threat

COMMUNITY concerns over flood mapping in the Applethorpe area will be addressed at a public meeting in Stanthorpe on Saturday.
Southern Downs Regional Council has invited interested residents and landowners to a Community Open Session on Saturday from 10am to 2pm at the supper room, Stanthorpe Civic Centre to discuss revised flood mapping for Applethorpe.
Acting Director of Engineering Stephen Bell said there are two sources for the mapping.
“The council has paid for flood mapping of some catchments of the SDRC area, informed by historical and local data, to provide an accurate flood mapping resource,” Mr Bell said.
“The other source of flood mapping is the State Government’s Queensland Reconstruction Authority mapping. This mapping has been taken from topography and soil maps and is more broad scale than the council mapping.”
The Community Open Session will give residents the opportunity to hear about the revised mapping, to hear comments from the Mayor Cr Peter Blundell and to have one-on-one discussions with Sinclair Knight Mertz , who mapped the area, and council staff.
“We found these sessions worked well at Leyburn and community members were able to get a clear picture of what areas could potentially flood and the effect on property and owners,” Mr Bell said.
“Residents are encouraged to drop in any time between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 14 December for an informal discussion with SKM and council staff to discuss and comment on the revised flood maps for Applethorpe.”