Revision as of 17:47, 13 September 2016 editGreenC bot (talk | contribs)Bots2,555,725 editsm WaybackMedic 2← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 00:00, 6 December 2022 edit undoNick Number (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, File movers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers198,400 editsm sp commission WP:TYPO | ||
(15 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Investigation Commission of Australia}} | |||
⚫ | The '''Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland floods''' |
||
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2020}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} | |||
⚫ | The '''Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland floods''' was an Australian inquiry set up by ] ] ] to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly ]. The independent Inquiry was headed by Justice Cate Holmes and was expected to cost A$15 million.<ref name="plfi">{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/premier-launches-flood-inquiry-20110117-19toc.html |title=Premier launches flood inquiry |author=Daniel Hurst |access-date=6 February 2011 |date=17 January 2011 |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204130711/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/premier-launches-flood-inquiry-20110117-19toc.html |archive-date=4 February 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Holmes examined the disaster, government preparedness and the emergency response. | ||
The Inquiry was able to summon witnesses, demand documents and issue search warrants.<ref name="plfi"/> A total of 345 witnesses were called.<ref name="frp">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-16/flood-report-paves-the-way-for-compensation/3895130 |title=Flood report paves way for compensation |author=Annie Guest and staff | |
The Inquiry was able to summon witnesses, demand documents and issue search warrants.<ref name="plfi"/> A total of 345 witnesses were called.<ref name="frp">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-16/flood-report-paves-the-way-for-compensation/3895130 |title=Flood report paves way for compensation |author=Annie Guest and staff |access-date=17 March 2012 |date=17 March 2012 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316231201/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-16/flood-report-paves-the-way-for-compensation/3895130 |archive-date=16 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
The final report was initially due on the 17 January 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/queenslands-flood-inquiry-the-terms-of-reference-20110117-19tv7.html |title=Queensland's flood inquiry: the terms of reference | |
The final report was initially due on the 17 January 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/queenslands-flood-inquiry-the-terms-of-reference-20110117-19tv7.html |title=Queensland's flood inquiry: the terms of reference |access-date=6 February 2011 |date=17 January 2011 |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213053937/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/queenslands-flood-inquiry-the-terms-of-reference-20110117-19tv7.html |archive-date=13 February 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> This was extended into February due to the quantity of material which has to be processed and analysed.<ref name="iet"/> The deadline for submissions was extended to 15 June to allow for submissions related to insurance companies to be included.<ref name="iet"/> | ||
The Commission asked independent hydrological expert Mark Babister to investigate the operation of ] during the flood period. He found the operators had achieved nearly the best possible ] effort.<ref name="rbde">{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/report-backs-dam-engineers-20110728-1i23k.html |title=Report backs dam engineers |author=Kym Agius | |
The Commission asked independent hydrological expert Mark Babister to investigate the operation of ] during the flood period. He found the operators had achieved nearly the best possible ] effort.<ref name="rbde">{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/report-backs-dam-engineers-20110728-1i23k.html |title=Report backs dam engineers |author=Kym Agius |access-date=4 August 2011 |date=28 July 2011 |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010121252/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/report-backs-dam-engineers-20110728-1i23k.html |archive-date=10 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> The report states that 59% of the downstream flooding was caused by water releases from the dam. | ||
==Interim report== | ==Interim report== | ||
An interim report was handed down on 1 August 2011.<ref name="iet">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/27/3228459.htm |title=Inquiry extends time for flood victims' insurance submissions |author=Maria Hatzakis | |
An interim report was handed down on 1 August 2011.<ref name="iet">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/27/3228459.htm |title=Inquiry extends time for flood victims' insurance submissions |author=Maria Hatzakis |access-date=7 June 2011 |date=27 May 2011 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation }}</ref> This report focused on flood preparedness issues so that any appropriate steps may be taken before the next wet season.<ref name="qfitr">{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-flood-inquiry-to-release-first-report-today-20110729-1i416.html |title=Queensland flood inquiry to release first report today |author=Daniel Hurst |access-date=1 August 2011 |date=1 August 2011 |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917195544/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-flood-inquiry-to-release-first-report-today-20110729-1i416.html |archive-date=17 September 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 250-page document contained more than 150 recommendations.<ref name="fic">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-01/dam-level-reduction-recommended-in-flood-inquiry-report/2819452 |title=Flood inquiry calls for lowering of dam level |access-date=1 August 2011 |date=1 August 2011 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802011147/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-01/dam-level-reduction-recommended-in-flood-inquiry-report/2819452 |archive-date=2 August 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Justice Holmes described the Wivenhoe Dam's operating manual as "a bit of a mess" and that the dam should be temporarily reduced to 75% capacity if an extremely wet season is forecast.<ref name="fic"/><ref name="fiv">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/08/01/3282782.htm?site=brisbane |title=Flood inquiry valuable and thorough: dam expert |author=Ursula Skjonnemand | |
Justice Holmes described the Wivenhoe Dam's operating manual as "a bit of a mess" and that the dam should be temporarily reduced to 75% capacity if an extremely wet season is forecast.<ref name="fic"/><ref name="fiv">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/08/01/3282782.htm?site=brisbane |title=Flood inquiry valuable and thorough: dam expert |author=Ursula Skjonnemand |access-date=1 August 2011 |date=1 August 2011 |work=ABC Brisbane |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113053431/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/08/01/3282782.htm?site=brisbane |archive-date=13 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
==Weekend hearings== | ==Weekend hearings== | ||
On 5 and 6 February 2012 the Commission conducted a weekend sitting to hear new evidence related to Wivenhoe Dam operators.<ref name="wdo">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/queensland-floods/dam-managers-didnt-record-manual-use/story-fn7iwx3v-1226262696304 |title=Wivenhoe Dam's operators didn't record manual use during Brisbane floods |author=Jared Owens | |
On 5 and 6 February 2012 the Commission conducted a weekend sitting to hear new evidence related to Wivenhoe Dam operators.<ref name="wdo">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/queensland-floods/dam-managers-didnt-record-manual-use/story-fn7iwx3v-1226262696304 |title=Wivenhoe Dam's operators didn't record manual use during Brisbane floods |author=Jared Owens |access-date=5 February 2012 |date=4 February 2012 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204144237/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/queensland-floods/dam-managers-didnt-record-manual-use/story-fn7iwx3v-1226262696304 |archive-date=4 February 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Senior flood engineers who were managing the dam during the floods were accused of disregarding the dam's operation manual and of misleading the inquiry.<ref name="gstf">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-07/government-scrambles-to-find-dam-engineers/3814832 |title=Government scrambles to find dam engineers |access-date=7 February 2012 |date=7 February 2012 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207093701/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-07/government-scrambles-to-find-dam-engineers/3814832 |archive-date=7 February 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
On the 6 February, it was announced by Holmes that deputy commissioner Philip Cummins would not attend future hearings involving ] or take his advice on the topic.<ref name="fiac">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-05/wivenhoe-engineers-deny-cover-up-claims/3811804 |title=Flood inquiry addresses conflict of interest claims | |
On the 6 February, it was announced by Holmes that deputy commissioner Philip Cummins would not attend future hearings involving ] or take his advice on the topic.<ref name="fiac">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-05/wivenhoe-engineers-deny-cover-up-claims/3811804 |title=Flood inquiry addresses conflict of interest claims |access-date=7 February 2012 |date=5 February 2012 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207103301/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-05/wivenhoe-engineers-deny-cover-up-claims/3811804 |archive-date=7 February 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> So as to avoid the perception of a ] the decision was made after it was made public that Cummins would, when the inquiry was complete, take work with a consultant who had separately been engaged by Seqwater.<ref>{{cite web|last=Holmes|first=Justice Catherine|title=Remarks by Justice Catherine Holmes|url=http://www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/announcements/remarks-by-justice-catherine-holmes|publisher=QFCI|access-date=16 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312092400/http://www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/announcements/remarks-by-justice-catherine-holmes|archive-date=12 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Final report== | ==Final report== | ||
The final report was handed to Premier Anna Bligh on the 16 February 2012. The 650-page document contained 177 recommendations. Although the Commission's own expert was quoted in the report as finding that the Flood Engineers in charge of Wivenhoe Dam during the flood had achieved "close to the best possible flood mitigation result" |
The final report was handed to Premier Anna Bligh on the 16 February 2012. The 650-page document contained 177 recommendations. Although the Commission's own expert was quoted in the report as finding that the Flood Engineers in charge of Wivenhoe Dam during the flood had achieved "close to the best possible flood mitigation result",<ref>Page 524 of Commission's Final Report</ref> the Commission found that the dam engineers had not complied with the operation manual of Wivenhoe Dam in the lead up to the Brisbane River flood.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/publications/final-report/|title=Final report|last=Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry|website=www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2020-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803063353/http://www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/publications/final%2Dreport/|archive-date=3 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the State of Queensland and six other experts who appeared before the Commission had previously disagreed with this finding and gave evidence during the Commission hearings to that effect.<ref name="frp"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/hearings/statements/|title=Statements|last=Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry|website=www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2020-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126011042/http://www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/hearings/statements/|archive-date=26 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/hearings/transcripts/|title=Transcripts|last=Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry|website=www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2020-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603222817/http://www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/hearings/transcripts/|archive-date=3 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="3de">{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/three-dam-engineers-in-cmcs-sights-and-class-action-threat-flood-report-20120316-1v9fk.html |title=Three dam engineers in CMC's sights and class action threat: flood report |author=Daniel Hurst |access-date=17 March 2012 |date=16 March 2012 |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317044325/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/three-dam-engineers-in-cmcs-sights-and-class-action-threat-flood-report-20120316-1v9fk.html |archive-date=17 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Holmes also found that the manual for dam operations used by the engineers was ambiguous, unclear, impractical and not up to date.<ref name="frp"/> | ||
The report also called |
The report also called for the ] to investigate three flood engineers, John Tibaldi, Rob Ayre and Terry Malone, who were in control of the dam at the time of the flood, regarding their preparation of documents after the event.<ref name="3de"/> The Commission considered that their recollection may have been a misleading reconstruction of events rather than a true record of their actions. However the Commission was incorrect in this regard as it was later found by the CMC (following a six-month investigation) that there was no professional misconduct and the three engineers were cleared of any wrongdoing.<ref name="cmclw">{{cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cmc-clears-wivenhoe-dam-engineers-20120820-24jdy.html |title=CMC clears Wivenhoe Dam engineers |date=21 August 2012 |author=Bridie Jabour |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=3 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116095105/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cmc-clears-wivenhoe-dam-engineers-20120820-24jdy.html |archive-date=16 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="cmccw">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-21/dam-engineers-cleared/4213696 |title=CMC clears Wivenhoe engineers over floods |access-date=3 December 2014 |date=21 August 2012 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505164108/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-21/dam-engineers-cleared/4213696 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The report also recommended that a flood study of the ] catchment be conducted which includes a wide range of data and should form the basis of a ] so that planners can explore various scenarios.<ref name="iacfb">{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/it-all-comes-flooding-back-20120321-1vj79.html |title=It all comes flooding back |author-link=Jack Waterford|first=Jack|last=Waterford |access-date=21 March 2012 |date=21 March 2012 |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305000823/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/it-all-comes-flooding-back-20120321-1vj79.html|archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> All Queensland urban areas should have an updated flood study for use in floodplain management.{{according to whom?|date=April 2020}} | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Line 27: | Line 30: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Line 33: | Line 36: | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Commission of Inquiry into the 2010-11 Queensland floods}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Commission of Inquiry into the 2010-11 Queensland floods}} | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] |
Latest revision as of 00:00, 6 December 2022
Investigation Commission of AustraliaThe Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland floods was an Australian inquiry set up by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly 2010–2011 Queensland floods. The independent Inquiry was headed by Justice Cate Holmes and was expected to cost A$15 million. Holmes examined the disaster, government preparedness and the emergency response.
The Inquiry was able to summon witnesses, demand documents and issue search warrants. A total of 345 witnesses were called.
The final report was initially due on the 17 January 2012. This was extended into February due to the quantity of material which has to be processed and analysed. The deadline for submissions was extended to 15 June to allow for submissions related to insurance companies to be included.
The Commission asked independent hydrological expert Mark Babister to investigate the operation of Wivenhoe Dam during the flood period. He found the operators had achieved nearly the best possible flood mitigation effort. The report states that 59% of the downstream flooding was caused by water releases from the dam.
Interim report
An interim report was handed down on 1 August 2011. This report focused on flood preparedness issues so that any appropriate steps may be taken before the next wet season. The 250-page document contained more than 150 recommendations.
Justice Holmes described the Wivenhoe Dam's operating manual as "a bit of a mess" and that the dam should be temporarily reduced to 75% capacity if an extremely wet season is forecast.
Weekend hearings
On 5 and 6 February 2012 the Commission conducted a weekend sitting to hear new evidence related to Wivenhoe Dam operators. Senior flood engineers who were managing the dam during the floods were accused of disregarding the dam's operation manual and of misleading the inquiry.
On the 6 February, it was announced by Holmes that deputy commissioner Philip Cummins would not attend future hearings involving Seqwater or take his advice on the topic. So as to avoid the perception of a conflict of interest the decision was made after it was made public that Cummins would, when the inquiry was complete, take work with a consultant who had separately been engaged by Seqwater.
Final report
The final report was handed to Premier Anna Bligh on the 16 February 2012. The 650-page document contained 177 recommendations. Although the Commission's own expert was quoted in the report as finding that the Flood Engineers in charge of Wivenhoe Dam during the flood had achieved "close to the best possible flood mitigation result", the Commission found that the dam engineers had not complied with the operation manual of Wivenhoe Dam in the lead up to the Brisbane River flood. However, the State of Queensland and six other experts who appeared before the Commission had previously disagreed with this finding and gave evidence during the Commission hearings to that effect. Holmes also found that the manual for dam operations used by the engineers was ambiguous, unclear, impractical and not up to date.
The report also called for the Crime and Misconduct Commission to investigate three flood engineers, John Tibaldi, Rob Ayre and Terry Malone, who were in control of the dam at the time of the flood, regarding their preparation of documents after the event. The Commission considered that their recollection may have been a misleading reconstruction of events rather than a true record of their actions. However the Commission was incorrect in this regard as it was later found by the CMC (following a six-month investigation) that there was no professional misconduct and the three engineers were cleared of any wrongdoing. The report also recommended that a flood study of the Brisbane River catchment be conducted which includes a wide range of data and should form the basis of a hydrological model so that planners can explore various scenarios. All Queensland urban areas should have an updated flood study for use in floodplain management.
See also
References
- ^ Daniel Hurst (17 January 2011). "Premier launches flood inquiry". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 4 February 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
- ^ Annie Guest and staff (17 March 2012). "Flood report paves way for compensation". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
- "Queensland's flood inquiry: the terms of reference". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. 17 January 2011. Archived from the original on 13 February 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
- ^ Maria Hatzakis (27 May 2011). "Inquiry extends time for flood victims' insurance submissions". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
- Kym Agius (28 July 2011). "Report backs dam engineers". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 10 October 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
- Daniel Hurst (1 August 2011). "Queensland flood inquiry to release first report today". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 17 September 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
- ^ "Flood inquiry calls for lowering of dam level". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 1 August 2011. Archived from the original on 2 August 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
- Ursula Skjonnemand (1 August 2011). "Flood inquiry valuable and thorough: dam expert". ABC Brisbane. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 13 November 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
- Jared Owens (4 February 2012). "Wivenhoe Dam's operators didn't record manual use during Brisbane floods". The Australian. News Limited. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
- "Government scrambles to find dam engineers". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 7 February 2012. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
- "Flood inquiry addresses conflict of interest claims". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 5 February 2012. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
- Holmes, Justice Catherine. "Remarks by Justice Catherine Holmes". QFCI. Archived from the original on 12 March 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- Page 524 of Commission's Final Report
- Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry. "Final report". www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au. Archived from the original on 3 August 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry. "Statements". www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au. Archived from the original on 26 January 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry. "Transcripts". www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- ^ Daniel Hurst (16 March 2012). "Three dam engineers in CMC's sights and class action threat: flood report". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
- Bridie Jabour (21 August 2012). "CMC clears Wivenhoe Dam engineers". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 16 January 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- "CMC clears Wivenhoe engineers over floods". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 21 August 2012. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- Waterford, Jack (21 March 2012). "It all comes flooding back". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2012.