New warning gauge for Rocky Creek Dam

The Sands Torquay sits just two kilometres from the centre of town and less than a ten-minute walk to the beach. Photo: Oslo Propperty / Links Property

LISMORE City Council has funded and installed a new gauge on the Rocky Creek Dam spillway, resulting in a significant improvement in flood warning infrastructure.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the Bureau of Meteorology would eventually assume ownership and maintenance responsibility for the new gauge under its Flood Warning Infrastructure Network Program.

“I recognise and thank Annie Kia, the coordinator of the Terania-Keerong Flood Safety Project, for her tenacity in pushing for functional and accurate river and rain gauges with Rous County Council and Lismore City Council,” Saffin said.

Lismore City Council acting chief operating and financial officer Joshua Smith thanked Rous County Council for the permission to install the gauge on the dam and to the Bureau’s technicians for providing technical advice on suitable equipment.

Saffin said that uncertainty created undue stress during severe weather events.

“During the 2022 flood, the lack of reliable information was dangerous and distressing for many rural residents,” she said.

“I supported Annie and The Channon Resilience in their community campaign to get these critical gauges upgraded or installed.

“I’ve strongly advocated for our local authorities to work together with the BoM to get this done.”