Innovation: Cohuna-based business AWMA FloodFree has developed a range of flood barriers aimed at protecting homes and businesses.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
A Cohuna-based business has designed and developed a range of flood barriers aimed at protecting homes and businesses.
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AWMA FloodFree recently visited Rochester to demonstrate the innovative flood barrier system.
Sales representative Kristy Gray was stationed outside Major’s IGA.
“The model we have here today is the demountable flood barrier, which can go in front of doorways and window shop fronts. This is a suitable barrier, as it’s lightweight and easy to install and remove,” Ms Gray said.
“The investment is well worth the time and effort. Businesses will be able to open a lot sooner and people will be able to protect their homes and personal items.
“This system is a lot easier, more accessible and faster than filling sandbags, and can be deployed and removed by a single person.”
The barriers have been designed and manufactured at the business’s Cohuna factory.
“Each section can be as long as two and a half metres, depending on the height that you need to go,” Ms Gray said.
“We recently installed an AWMA FloodFree barrier that spanned a total of 40 metres.
“For every metre of aluminium, the manual lifting weight is four kilograms.
“This model can also go to a maximum height of three metres. Soon to be available is a heavy-duty version, which will cover a larger surface area (height and width).”
Check it out: The barriers were recently displayed for Rochester residents outside Major’s IGA.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Major’s IGA owner Brad Major said he was keen to prevent any future costly flooding at the store.
“We’ve been looking at flood prevention measures since last year’s floods. We’re considering one of many options and will decide if one of them is suitable for the IGA store,” Mr Major said.
“While the business was flooded for two days and closed for two weeks, the impact is still ongoing, with a lower population and the direct impact on the business in terms of repairs. The water went as high as 450mm, it is still affecting business operations.
“The financial cost to the business has been huge, and we are still recovering nine months later.
Flood-proof: Aluminium cover and foundation pin.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
“The community is proactively lobbying for the town, for some water to be released by at least 10 per cent and for the governing body to be able to make a decision on releasing water easier and quicker when there is a weather event like last year coming, or being able to divert water and reduce it all coming at once.
“The town still wants better flood-proof measures for the town. We don’t want another flood like we had in 2011 and last year.”
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