Five recommendations from a review into the devastating 2016 Tasmanian floods have been fully implemented by the state government, a progress report has shown.
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The report, undertaken by former Tasmanian Auditor-General Mike Blake and completed last year, said a further eight recommendations were scheduled for implementation by the end of the year and the remaining 11 recommendations were underway and on schedule.
The recommendations which have been completed include having the Department of Premier and Cabinet lead community recovery arrangements and the establishment of a recovery partners network to assist with clearer communications between government and non-government agencies.
The government has developed new planning codes for developments in flood-prone areas and a new statewide approach to infrastructure repair after emergency events.
A state flood warning infrastructure plan is due to be completed by the end of the year as are municipal emergency management plans to which the public will have access.
Clarification will be reached on the responsibility between councils and landowners on river restoration after flooding events.
The government plans to have all staff recruited for a flood policy unit within the State Emergency Service completed by the end of the year, supported by $500,000 in state funds.
The floods claimed three lives statewide, damaged 121 properties in the Latrobe municipality alone, and damaged roads, bridge infrastructure and reserves statewide.
The Insurance Council of Australia estimated $45 million in private flood damage had occurred following the event.
Other recommendations yet to be implemented from the report include:
- a review of bridge design with consideration of flood impacts;
- a review of flood classification levels in relation to flood level triggers on gauges;
- and application of best practice guidelines relating to cloud seeding.
