JANUARY 2021
     

Greenpatch reopens after safeguards to reduce risk of flash flooding

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THE Greenpatch camping ground in the small sugar town of Gordonvale in far north Queenland has reopened.

The multi-million dollar upgraded facility now has additional measures to safeguard users from the risk of flash flooding.

Located on the banks of the Mulgrave River and Hemming Creek, it normally offers 42 campsites plus an amenities block with toilets and showers, dump point and picnic spots.

But Cairns Regional Council closed the popular campground last November at the recommendation of the Local Disaster Management Committee in response to predicted weather patterns associated with the influence of La Nina.

Temporary barriers have been installed to cordon off lower areas of the campground that would likely be inundated during the wet season should the neighbouring Hemming Creek experience a flash flooding event.

The facility has a warning system which is triggered by rising water levels.

However, while rising waters from the Mulgrave River trigger an alarm that provides a two- to three-hour warning before flooding of the campground, Hemming Creek can be susceptible to rapid rises that would provide limited time for evacuation.

The cordoning off of the lower campground will limit the facility to 15 sites during the annual wet season.

As part of COVID safety measures, all users must check-in and check-out using the onsite QR code.

The council will install bollards and additional signage this year as part of a strategy to enable the Greenpatch campground to remain open all year-round..

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