A Darwin-based engineering expert says building resilience rather than relocation is the answer for flood-prone communities.
Charles Darwin University engineering expert Dr Cat Kutay made the comments Monday in light of devastating flooding that has hit the Northern Territory and north of Western Australia this year.
Flooding and evacuations across Northern Territory has reignited debate about relocating vulnerable communities.
“We often have many Aboriginal communities embedded within mainstream communities. This population is usually well informed as to the suitable locations for building from the long local memory stored in their stories. Yet such people are rarely consulted in either the house design or location of building phases. This information could improve the viability of houses in flood-prone areas, from Lismore to Fitzroy Crossing,” Dr Kutay said.
Dr Kutay also noted how homes are built is a significant factor.
“Relocating houses when people have chosen that location for a reason, should be carried out in a consultation that involves thorough listening to new perspectives.
“Options such as building houses on piles can be considered. Areas that are less prone in the vicinity of flooded areas should be sought rather than total relocation.”
Dr Kutay said authorities have “not learnt to respect the power of water and the changes in flow”.
“We still rely on the last fifty-year flows for planning and we still like to build on the lush and flat river floodplains,” she said.
“Attempts to alter flow often include placing rocks to prevent erosion but they only divert flow that also directs silt and debris in higher amounts to other locations. The problem is getting worse, and we need sustainable models that cover long periods of wind, sea and river changes.
“In the north of Australia, we have the opportunity to listen to traditional knowledge holders to understand the concepts of water flow in a more holistic manner. This process must show respect and reciprocity and not be a process of acquisition.”
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