The Schrinner Council will begin rolling out new automated warning signs on Brisbane roads frequently impacted by flooding.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Council is investing in the new sign technology to reduce the risk of Brisbane motorists entering flood waters
“The ‘if it’s flooded, forget it’ message is one that we are all aware of,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Unfortunately, some motorists continue trying to drive on flooded roads, and sadly this has resulted in deadly consequences.
“We are determined to help motorists heed the warning not to drive on flooded roads by installing these signs at key locations.”
The solar-powered signs to be installed in Brisbane have an alarm gauge that activates the sign once a creek or waterway reaches a certain level.
They also contain a camera allowing for the waterway to be monitored remotely.
The “Road Closed Due to Flooding” message will be LED-backed, ensuring it is highly visible to motorists at night.
The sign will also alert Council once activated, allowing for a co-ordinated response.
Cr Schrinner said the installation of the signs were part of Council’s response to the devastating February flood.
“Unlike 2011, the record-breaking rainfall in February caused a combination of river, creek and overland flow flooding right across Brisbane,” Cr Schrinner said.
“This made it unsafe and impossible for Council officers to get to some areas and erect temporary road closed signs.
“By using this automated sign technology, we will be able to close and actively monitor flooded roads, which is a great step forward.”
The first three signs will be installed at Gap Creek Road, Kenmore Hills, Bowen Parade, Bardon and Lucy Street, Moorooka.
The signs will be partly funded by a $99,000 Federal Government payment.
Council will spend a further $500,000 installing up to 12 additional signs across Brisbane by the end of the year with further investment to follow.
Brisbane Civic Cabinet Chair for Infrastructure Andrew Wines said Council will now work to identify the locations where the new automated signs will be installed.
“We will prioritise locations where there’s a history of flooding along with a history of motorists entering flood waters,” Cr Wines said.
“We will also consider each location’s distance from Council field staff and how the road is used by motorists.”
The decision to proceed with automated flood warning signs comes after former governor Paul de Jersey’s 2022 Brisbane Flood Review highlighted the challenge Council faced erecting road closed signs.
Three similar solar-powered automatic warning signs were installed in 2019 while a further seven older style flashing signed were installed between 2006 and 2013.