Launceston council asks Invermay residents and businesses how much they can tolerate severe flooding

One question asked residents how often they would consider it "acceptable" to have floodwaters "up to the ceiling of the ground floor" of their home or business with options of never, very rarely, or once, twice or a few times in their lifetime.

Another asked if they would consider it acceptable to have flood cutting off access to hospitals, aged care or schools for several hours, or to have flood water entering these facilities.

The preamble to the survey, signed by council city development manager Richard Jamieson, states the it was attempting to get the community's views on whether it would like flood risk "managed differently", and to get information about how residents and businesses manage their own risk.

But Invermay resident Peta Frost said the questions were causing concern in the community about council's confidence in its flood levee system.

"At first I thought it was a joke," she said.

"What could possibly be the purpose of the survey when most of the questions are absurd?

READ MORE: Why council is allowing big box shops in flood-prone Invermay

"Does the council have concerns about the efficacy of the levee system?

"The survey is a waste of paper, time and resources and I do not intend to complete it, unless someone can convince me that it is helpful and will result in benefits for the Launceston community."

Modelling from 2019 showed that the vast majority of Invermay west of the North Esk would be protected from one-in-20 and one-in-100-year flood events, but inundated with two-to-five-metre flooding in one-in-200-year events.

In the most extreme examples - far worse than any flooding experienced since colonisation - most of Invermay would be more than five metres underwater.

READ MORE: Investor files $480,000 lawsuit against Launceston crypto influencer

However, increased severity of flooding in Launceston was one predicted outcome of a warming climate.

Last month's flood survey was sent to about 3000 residents and businesses in Invermay.

City of Launceston chief executive officer Michael Stretton said the survey was intended to determine "what controls are most appropriate for different areas", based on how residents and businesses are prepared for various levels of risk.

"Different types of businesses and residents will have different levels of preparedness and different levels of risk," he said.

READ MORE: Download our news app today

"As our understanding of flood risk improves and as the community's appetite for risk changes over time, the City of Launceston is eager to learn how residents and business owners consider and manage their flood risks.

"Launceston is a flood prone city. It remains the case that no flood defence system is failsafe. Residents in low-lying areas of the city are encouraged to be conscious of the risks, to remain situationally aware, and to have a flood plan in place."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: