2015 Callide Creek flood review

This report presents the findings of a comprehensive review into the events associated with the impact of Tropical Cyclone Marcia in the Callide Valley area. It gives particular attention to flooding that occurred downstream of the Callide Dam, and the operation of the Dam. It also provides commentary on flooding events in other catchments at the time and the cumulative effect this had at various locations.

On the evening of 20 February 2015, Tropical Cyclone Marcia impacted the Callide Valley bringing significant rainfall and Category 1 wind gusts. The rain was intense over a short period of time causing rapid stream rises. As the Callide Dam quickly filled, the gates opened automatically releasing water through the gates. Many in the community saw the Callide Dam gates as the cause of the disaster. The Inspector-General Emergency Management (IGEM) was commissioned to report on the circumstances of the Callide Creek flood event to determine whether disaster management arrangements and Callide Dam planning and operations were effective, and to identify opportunities to improve disaster management outcomes.