Published on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 at 5:04:05 PM
Following the significant 2021 flood event, the State Government established the Carnarvon Floodplain Management Working Group, bringing together representatives from State Government agencies, the Shire of Carnarvon, local plantation owners, and community representatives. The group was tasked with assessing the impacts of the flood, and identifying opportunities to strengthen Carnarvon’s resilience to future events.
As part of this response, emergency inspections of flood protection infrastructure were carried out, and multiple assessments were reviewed. Consultants HARC were engaged to develop an updated hydraulic model of the Gascoyne River and GHD prepared a River Care and Floodway Management Plan. These measures formed the foundation for improved flood preparedness and guidance for future planning and investment.
The Gascoyne River stretches over 800 kilometres and is the backbone of Carnarvon’s economy. Its flow sustains our growers, powers local jobs, and underpins a supply chain that reaches across the state. However, when it floods, and it will, the impact is immediate and widespread. Roads and businesses are cut off, crops are lost, and recovery can take months. Each event places millions of dollars and hundreds of livelihoods at risk.
Improved flood modelling, stronger protective infrastructure, and enhanced emergency planning are essential to protect the people and industries that keep the region running.
The flood study, delivered by HARC, incorporates the latest flood modelling techniques and newly available data on rainfall, streamflow, land surface elevation, and climate change. These advancements, provide a clearer understanding of current and future flood risks in the Carnarvon region.
The flood study, delivered by HARC, incorporates the latest flood modelling techniques alongside newly available data on rainfall, streamflow, land surface elevation, and climate change. These advancements provide a clearer and more accurate understanding of current and future flood risks across the Carnarvon region.
The study offers valuable insights into the hydrological behaviour of the Gascoyne River catchment and supports effective flood risk assessment and management. It models past flood events and provides detailed flood mapping across a wide range of scenarios. It also evaluates a range of potential mitigation options to support ongoing preparedness efforts and improve community resilience.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Shire of Carnarvon would like to acknowledge the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and the National Emergency Management Agency for their funding support and partnership in delivering the Carnarvon Flood Preparedness Project.
Read the Gascoyne River Flood Study Summary Report here: https://rebrand.ly/efba22
The detailed Gascoyne River Flood Study report can be found via the following link: https://rebrand.ly/bf9361 (Please note: Due to the file size, the report may not open in your browser. We recommend downloading the file to view it.)
ENDS
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Email: media@carnarvon.wa.gov.au
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