15.09.2006

FLOOD inundation of the area behind the proposed Traveston Crossing dam may cover an even greater area than that shown on a SunWater map produced last month.

The implications of the dam may also have a much greater impact on the way of life for those within the dam’s catchment boundaries than has so far been revealed, Cooloola Shire Mayor Mick Venardos said yesterday.

He said the dam inundation plan printed in Thursday’s edition of  The Gympie Time’s shows a static flood line of 10 metres above the dam spillway height.

However, this level would vary in times of flood depending on the amount of water flowing in and where the maximum rainfall was occurring.

Water heights could be at least 15 metres higher at Kenilworth than initially indicated, he said.

IN other areas the flood line could be even higher meaning that more tracts of land would be flooded.

Flood mapping of the proposed dam area is still being undertaken with actual areas affected in time of flood still unknown, Cr Venardos said.

The construction of a dam at Traveston Crossing will also have major implications for residents of Cooloola, Noosa, Maroochy and Caloundra shires who will live within the dam’s catchment boundary, as well as the councils, the Mayor said yesterday.

Restrictions will apply including what types of farming activities can be undertaken and development will also be controlled.

Council’s planning scheme reviews will also be affected with the state Government having the right to apply new conditions on development and land and farming practices.

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