Last Tuesday I listened to most of your weekly chat on FM101 (November 1).
As a long-term resident of Logan (since day 1) I was somewhat astounded that the council had not sought any public input in what seems a somewhat hasty review of the flood levels.
In the early years the council invested many tens of millions of dollars in a master drainage plan as well as annual cleaning of general drainage as well as gully pits.
The main water courses providing drainage of the city into the Logan river being Slacks and Scrubby creeks were opened and cleared so the main flow course was debris free and the overflow areas were grassed and kept mowed.
This practice provided good drainage for the many deluges over the early years.
Sadly, these maintenance practices seem to have fallen by the wayside. Go to Moss Street and stand on the Roy Curry bridge for a first-hand view of a water course with little or no regular care.
My main point is that a healthy well-maintained drainage system helps in minimising the flood risks. Blocked drains and debris don’t.
Don’t get me wrong, there is no doubt the earth’s climate is changing and has been doing so for billions of years.
It seems to me that the council has sort of lost the plot somewhat, to just review the city’s flood maps without public input and with council officers advising otherwise on the methodology, then withhold information saying it can be provided if an FOI is lodged.
What is the secret?
Furthermore, telling the public if you don’t like the results of new maps, hire your own surveyor to prove us wrong?
Sort of like guilty until proven innocent.
John,
Full name and address supplied.
