| Project | Fitzgibbon Urban Development Area |
| Client | Economic Development Queensland (formerly Urban Land Development Authority) |
| Location | Fitzgibbon, Queensland, Australia |
| Completion | 2009 – 2013 |
| Disciplines/Service | Hydraulic Modelling Flood Impact Assessment Conceptual Planning |
| WRM Contact | David Newton |
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- An engineered waterway channel integrates drainage, amenity and open space functions
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- This overflow culvert provides an alternate flow path for floodwaters during major flood events
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- Fitzgibbon Urban Development Area
The Challenge
The Urban Land Development Authority developed a master plan for the proposed Carseldine Urban Village, within the Fitzgibbon Urban Development Area which is located adjacent to the floodplain of Cabbage Tree Creek. With significant constraints due to flooding, the project had an ambitious development plan for the site with very tight timeframes. A number of flood mitigation options within the Cabbage Tree Creek waterway were scrutinised during this investigation.
Approach and Key Activities
Without flood mitigation works along Cabbage Tree Creek, the proposed development could increase the Cabbage Tree Creek design flood levels between the North Coast Railway and Fitzgibbon Drain. A TUFLOW two-dimensional hydraulic model was developed to investigate and manage flood impacts along Cabbage Tree Creek between the North Coast Railway and Fitzgibbon Drain. The following potential structural mitigation works were investigated:
- Channel widening;
- Bank modifications;
- Flood relief bypass channels;
- Levees; and
- An Off-stream Detention Basin.
WRM developed a comprehensive flood management strategy that maximised developable area while ensuring no adverse impact on downstream development. The flood management strategy included several major infrastructure components including major culverts and detention basins, which WRM developed concept designs for. A detailed water sensitive urban design strategy for the site was also developed to minimise potable water use and ensure best practice management of stormwater quality.
Outcomes
The advice provided by WRM allowed the client to maximise developable area and achieve a tight timeframe for this major development.
The development was awarded the Healthy Waterways Water Sensitive Urban Design Award for 2012.