Australia-first trial targets improved power resilience in flood‑prone communities

The trial focuses on safeguarding network assets exposed to flooding, including sites in Brisbane’s western suburb of Bellbowrie, where flooding has previously affected infrastructure and access during severe weather events.

Flood Tuff units being trialled are large plastic boxes with a gas release system that will be installed over selected items of critical high voltage electrical equipment located in areas identified as having higher flood risk.

Energex Network Management Engineer Brian McMahon said the trial is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen network resilience and improve safety during extreme weather.

“Flooding presents some of the most challenging conditions for maintaining a safe and reliable electricity network,” Mr McMahon said.

“This trial allows us to test whether temporary, rapidly deployable protection can reduce damage to critical electrical equipment and limit the need for our crews to enter hazardous flood‑affected environments.”

Flood Tuff is a Queensland‑developed system designed to protect high‑value electrical components during flood events.

The bright yellow protective units act as a temporary flood shield, preventing water from entering and damaging equipment during inundation.

Flood Tuff units are manufactured from low‑density polyethylene, the same material used in water tanks, and are secured using chains and ground anchors.

A float‑activated valve system releases gas from an internal bottle as floodwaters rise, maintaining a trapped pocket of air inside the unit and preventing water ingress.

Once installed ahead of a flood event, the system requires no further attendance during inundation.

The devices are designed to withstand high water pressure, deep inundation and repeated flood exposure.

“If this technology proves effective on the electricity network, it could play a valuable role in reducing outages, speeding up community recovery and improving safety outcomes during future flood events,” Mr McMahon said.

“We’re particularly interested in how it performs in areas like Bellbowrie, where access and flooding can significantly impact the high voltage network.”

The trial forms part of broader efforts by Energex and Ergon Energy Network to strengthen network resilience during extreme weather events, with outcomes expected to inform future decisions around asset protection, flood risk management and emergency response capability across Queensland.

Flood Tuff units being installed during the trial at Bellbowrie in Brisbane's west