Flood totem project back on track

The proposed flood markers for the Emerald district. PHOTOS: Supplied.

THE MEMORIAL Flood Marker Project in Emerald is back on track after experiencing delays.
Construction on the project – through the Central Highlands Regional Council – was scheduled to commence late last year but was delayed due to difficulties in sourcing locally recycled bridge timber suitable for the project.
The proposed flood markers will memorialise Emerald’s three major historical floods, in 1950, 2008 and 2010.
Mayor Kerry Hayes said the project would coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the last major flood.
“It was a significant moment in our history, just like the other floods we have been through before. It is therefore very fitting to have this project progressing again,” Mayor Hayes said.
“Memorialising these events is an important part of the recovery process, but also provides tourists and new people to the area with an understanding of our story.”
’-type: imageimage:- ’/assets/emerald-flooding.jpgThe project team sought to obtain timber with a low moisture content that would not dry out or deform after construction.
The project will recommence using treated timber sourced by the contractor, scheduled to be onsite later this month.
Council undertook a community survey seeking the communities preferred design in March 2019.
The flood markers, or flood totems, are scheduled to be installed by the end of April.
Provisional locations for the floor markers can be viewed at https://haveyoursay.chrc.qld.gov.au/47283/widgets/252086/documents/167115.