February 19, 2015

Cameras in flood-prone areas to enhance region's flood preparations

Gladstone Regional Council has enhanced its preparedness for disaster events by installing flood cameras in flood-prone areas southern areas of the region.

Cameras have been installed at Alligator Flats, east of Miriam Vale, and Essendean Bridge and Hills Road in Baffle Creek, where roads are often closed for extended periods of time during floods.

Gladstone Region Mayor Gail Sellers said the cameras were a valuable tool in providing up-to-date flood information to the region's residents.

"The images are updated every 15 to 30 minutes with a time stamp at the bottom of the page indicating the time at which each image was taken," Councillor Sellers said.

"Simply click on the camera link and you will see the most recent image of the required crossing."

The installation of the flood cameras is a joint initiative between Council and the Queensland Government's Department of Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience.

Due to the quality of lighting night vision will not be available to the general public via the website but Council staff will be able to continue monitoring them after nightfall via infrared technology.

The webcam images can be accessed via Council's website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/flood- webcams

______MEDIA INFORMATION: For further information contact Council’s Communications & Marketing Unit on 4977 6513 or [email protected]