Wivenhoe Channel
A water channel that extends from Wivenhoe Dam (SE Queensland) to the Pacific Coast, North of Brisbane and South of Noosa could provide a safe overflow system for potential flood waters.
By doubling as a freeway, the infrastructure can be used full-time. The simple closure of on-ramps at flood critical times allows diversion of water, without jeopardising the
major population centre of Brisbane.To the East, the freeway would have interchanges to the Bruce Highway (potentially at Burpengary) but continue to the coast as a flood relief channel only.
The immense cost of the planning and development would be entirely offset by the long term saving of life, rebuilding and loss of productivity.
As this once in a hundred year flood has occurred twice in 40 years, flooding remains a potential hazard to the growth of and investment in the City of Brisbane.
