Publication Date

5-2022

Publisher

Government of Western Australia

City

Perth, Western Australia

Abstract

Periodic flooding of the lower Gascoyne River floodplain at Carnarvon is a natural event. The flooding results from cyclonic and thunderstorm activity in the catchment, with the risk period generally from November to May, associated with the wet season in the north of WA. The Carnarvon horticultural area has suffered considerable damage following flooding of the Gascoyne River in 1960,1961, 1974, 1980, 1995, 2000, 2009, 2010/11 and 2021.

The WA Government has undertaken restoration programs to replace soil lost for most of these major flooding events. Apart from the soil loss and risks of permanent damage to the natural resource, the costs and delivery of the restoration programs have failed to improve soil conservation and land management practices, and therefore the business resilience, of many in the current industry. A more enduring model is required for a sustainable Carnarvon horticultural industry.

Carnarvon horticultural area accounts for about eight per cent of the gross value of production for WA’s horticulture industries, through the production of counter seasonal solanaceous and cucurbit vegetable crops, early season temperate fruit crops, mid-season tropical crops, as well as year-round production of bananas.

In February 2021, a slow moving tropical low system caused widespread flooding along the Gascoyne River. As a result of floodwaters, Carnarvon horticultural properties were inundated, experiencing varying impacts including soil and crop loss from paddocks, access to farms and farm tracks washed away, and, horticultural waste/rubbish was transported onto other properties, into the ocean and then deposited on beaches along the WA coastline.

Assessments undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) indicated impacts were localised to properties near floodways, and the Kingsford and the western end North River Road locations. The majority of properties impacted were predominately growing annual crops. Properties growing perennial crops with ground cover in major floodway areas, such as Lewers Creek, reported minimal soil or crop loss (pers comm Working Group member 2021).

To assist the horticulture industry to recover and reduce future impacts, the WA Government convened the Carnarvon Floodplain Management Working Group (the Working Group) to review factors that contributed to the impacts of the flood.

This report has been prepared by the Working Group and provides initiatives for consideration by the Minister for Agriculture and Food. The initiatives focus on improving management of the floodplain and, most importantly, its soils on which the Carnarvon horticultural industry relies on for profitable and sustainable production.

The purpose of this floodplain management report for the Carnarvon horticulture industry is to provide direction for investment and suggest action to support understanding of this dynamic system and its effective management.

The Working Group’s vision is to build a flood resilient community in which the Carnarvon community, businesses, and government agencies, including Traditional Owners, are aware of flooding and work together to better manage flood risks and 4 strengthen the resilience of our industry, local economy, infrastructure, and environment.

The Working Group has focused on five critical success factors to resolve the current issues and be better prepared for future events.

These are:

  1. Governance
  2. Flood planning and mapping
  3. Waterways management
  4. Soil conservation and land management
  5. Waste management

Number of Pages

44

Keywords

Canarvon, flood plain management, horticulture, working group report, western australia

Disciplines

Agriculture | Earth Sciences | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Other Environmental Sciences | Soil Science | Water Resource Management

Maps

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