Temporary levee system tests flood preparedness

LISMORE City Council practised its flood response strategies in the CBD on Sunday, testing a temporary levee system designed to protect property when the main levee overtops.

The temporary levee system training exercise aimed to better prepare the council for future flood events and involved setting up a Dutch Dam and plank wall systems near Keen Street and Richmond Lane.

The council’s general manager, Jon Gibbons, said annual training was a key component of the flood emergency preparedness program.

“By simulating real-world scenarios, the exercise helped to refine emergency response procedures and maintain operational readiness,” he said. “It ensures that staff and systems are ready to respond effectively.”

Lismore City mayor Steve Krieg emphasised the importance of flood preparedness exercises like this.

“By rehearsing and refining our response, we ensure everyone involved knows their role and can act swiftly to protect lives and property,” Cr Kreig said.

The Dutch Dam and plank wall systems are temporary flood barriers that protect areas from rising water. Their design and purpose allow flood water that has topped a levee wall to be deflected and broken up, stopping high-velocity water and debris from damaging buildings and breaking windows.

The Dutch Dam uses interlocking panels to form a watertight barrier that is lightweight, reusable and quickly assembled. The plank wall system consists of horizontal planks between vertical support beams, which are adjustable and sealed to prevent water seepage. Both systems set up quickly and provide flexible protection, essential for flood emergency strategies to safeguard property and infrastructure.

The training exercise tested the system near Singhs Tyre and Mechanical on Keen Street, which is in the path of high-flowing floodwater when it overtops the levee’s low point at Browns Creek pump station.

For ways to prepare and be disaster-ready, read the latest edition of Local Matters, at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Local-Matters.