❓ Question regarding the collapse of a water tower at One Arm Point, inquiring about the cause, similar infrastructure, inspection regimes, and risk mitigation. The Minister provides answers sourced from the Department of Housing.
AnsweredQoN 188Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the recent catastrophic collapse of the community water supply tower and tank at One Arm Point, and I ask:
(a) what was the cause of the collapse;
(b) how many other communities have a water tower and tank of similar age and design;
(c) are the tanks inspected on a regular basis;
(d) if no to (c), why not;
(e) if yes to (c), how often;
(f) what steps, if any, have been taken to mitigate risk to other communities in (b) which have these similar water tanks; and
(g) if no to (c), will the Minister order an urgent inspection of all such tanks to minimise the risk of serious injury to any bystanders should another collapse occur?
(a) what was the cause of the collapse;
(b) how many other communities have a water tower and tank of similar age and design;
(c) are the tanks inspected on a regular basis;
(d) if no to (c), why not;
(e) if yes to (c), how often;
(f) what steps, if any, have been taken to mitigate risk to other communities in (b) which have these similar water tanks; and
(g) if no to (c), will the Minister order an urgent inspection of all such tanks to minimise the risk of serious injury to any bystanders should another collapse occur?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 September 2013
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Housing
Response time
42 days
The funding of essential services capital works is a Commonwealth responsibility, however, the Department of Housing advises:
(a)
The cause of the collapse was a combination of a number of contributing factors which include:
The age of the tank.
The climatic conditions that this tank is exposed to (coastal conditions), which increases the potential for corrosion.
A "weak point", resulting from a historical internal leak within the tank between the tank and the liner causing internal rusting of a welded seam, that was identified during the investigation after the collapse. This leak was not apparent externally.
(b)
14
(c)
Yes
(d)
Not applicable
(e)
Every three years.
(f)
On an operational level, urgent operational instructions were provided to the Department's contractors to mitigate potential future risk through a documented process.
(g)
Not applicable
(a)
The cause of the collapse was a combination of a number of contributing factors which include:
The age of the tank.
The climatic conditions that this tank is exposed to (coastal conditions), which increases the potential for corrosion.
A "weak point", resulting from a historical internal leak within the tank between the tank and the liner causing internal rusting of a welded seam, that was identified during the investigation after the collapse. This leak was not apparent externally.
(b)
14
(c)
Yes
(d)
Not applicable
(e)
Every three years.
(f)
On an operational level, urgent operational instructions were provided to the Department's contractors to mitigate potential future risk through a documented process.
(g)
Not applicable
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