Practice makes prepared as Council tests Geodesign Flood Barrier

Published on 20 August 2025

Rockhampton Regional Council is continuing its commitment to disaster preparedness with a planned training exercise to install the temporary Geodesign Flood Barrier along Water Street, Lakes Creek.

Council conducts the practice deployment every few years with the 448-metre barrier taking a team of 15 to set up and dismantle this week.

The planned exercise gives Council the chance to fine-tune its approach and make sure its team is ready to respond quickly and effectively if the Geodesign Flood Barrier is needed.

During a flood event, this barrier has the potential to protect around 400 properties from inundation.

Water Street, between Lakes Creek Road and Mason Street, will be closed while the exercise is underway.

For more information on how to prepare for a disaster, visit Council’s Emergency Dashboard.

Quotes for Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Tony Williams:

“Installing the structure is a major task, which is why we are doing our practice run ahead of the wet season.

“We know our region sees its fair share of emergencies and that’s why we continually monitor, prepare, test and review our practices.

“This is about being as prepared as possible and having the infrastructure, skills and knowledge in place to respond to emergencies when they occur.”

Quotes for Divisional Councillor Grant Mathers:

“We’ve seen firsthand how effective these barriers can be, particularly during the 2017 floods when one was installed at Ellis and Rodboro Streets.

“Seeing the barrier in place should reassure residents that we’re doing everything we can to protect their homes.”

Please note: This is a training and preparedness exercise. The flood barrier installation is not in response to any current weather warning.

For more information on the temporary flood barrier, see here.

ENDS