Community members get tour of Busselton’s flood defences after concerns over winter flooding risks

Members of the Busselton community have toured the city’s flood protection infrastructure after concerns were raised over flooding risks in winter. A total of 50 people participated in the GeoCatch-organised event last week, which comes after substantial rain in recent months. With much of Busselton sitting just metres above sea level, the city relies on its drainage network. Water Corporation and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation operational managers discussed how the flood protection system works, the role of flood modelling and different measures which can be taken. Participants visited key drainage infrastructure sites as part of the tour, including the Sabina River compensating basin, Vasse surge barrier and Wonnerup sand bar. Water Corporation operations manager Josh Jackson began the tour at one of the three flood-compensating basins which hold back large amounts of flood water following heavy rainfall. “The three basins are capable of holding nearly five million cubic meters of water during a major storm, gradually releasing it back into the system over the following days,” he said. DWER’s Joel Hall discussed the level of scientific analysis which goes into ensuring houses in the Busselton area do not flood each winter. “It is a fine balance ensuring that we let enough water into the Vasse River without flooding homes and businesses,” he said. “Busselton is almost at sea level and acts like a giant bath, so it is important that we get the water balance right.” Resident Carol Palmer was on the tour. “It was really interesting how all the agencies each have a different role to play but they all have such a good understanding of the water flow throughout the catchment,” she said. “I was impressed how the different agencies monitor the water levels to ensure that Busselton does not flood every winter.”