The theme for the April 2026 FMA National Conference has been set: “From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Flood Management”. In an era of escalating uncertainty, this Conference will explore the development and implementation of flood risk management - moving from the reactive repair and recovery cycle towards informed, resilience-driven strategies, policies and mitigation projects. 

We invite papers that navigate this transition by integrating strategic planning, proactive management, and innovation. 

FMA2026 is being hosted by the City of Gold Coast, and will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast’s premier event venue.

The Call for Abstracts is now open, and the content can be technical or non-technical to suit our varied audience. You don’t need to be a “flood expert” to provide a presentation! We really value the practical experiences of Councillors, flood committee members and community representatives. Just be sure that your abstract aligns with one or more of the 12 topic areas provided on the Conference website.

The closing date for abstracts is Tuesday 9 December 2025, so please start planning your presentation now.

For the latest FMA Conference information see: floodplainconference.com, and reserve 21 to 24 April 2026 for the FMA National Conference in your calendar, diary and budget now.
 

FMA has published a new Fact Sheet about Overland Flow, which can be downloaded at floods.asn.au/fact-sheets. This resource has been developed following requests from numerous FMA Members for a fact sheet to accompany Overland Flow Flood Studies going on Public Exhibition, and to help Members communicate with Councillors, Council officers, ratepayers and the general public. 

This is a plain-English, two-page explainer about what overland flow is and the types of impacts it can have. The Fact Sheet also addresses questions people may have about property values and insurance premiums in relation to overland flow. 

The Fact Sheet was developed by Communications Director Catherine Walker and Technical Director Will Prentice, and reviewed by over 10 FMA Members plus the Insurance Council of Australia. The FMA Executive Committee wishes to thank all contributors and reviewers for their input.
 

The following article has been provided by FMA Member Melbourne Water:

Melbourne Water, in partnership with local councils, is updating flood data across Greater Melbourne through a multi-year program – the Greater Melbourne Flood Information Program. This program uses modelling to better understand current and future flood risks - helping to build a safer, more resilient city.

For the first time, a whole-of-catchment approach integrates local council drainage systems with Melbourne Water’s regional network. Over 1,000 existing models are being replaced with 250 new catchment models, covering both waterways and stormwater systems. 

Flood information now includes the current day flood scenario as well as the projected 2100 flood scenario, factoring in climate change, which will allow for better planning and help to build long-term flood resilience across Melbourne.

The updated flood maps also now include hazard classifications, rating each location from H1 to H6 based on floodwater depth and speed. Higher ratings indicate greater potential for damage, helping residents, developers and planners make safer, more informed decisions on future development. These hazard classifications follow the Australian Rainfall and Runoff Guidelines. 

To support the rollout, Melbourne Water is leading a community engagement program. Flood awareness can be a challenging topic, but it’s vital. Through online maps and community events, the program aims to raise awareness and help communities understand their flood risk and prepare effectively. 

Learn more: Greater Melbourne Flood Information Program | Melbourne Water
 

The Resilient Australia Awards National Ceremony will be livestreamed via Zoom on 24 November.

The Awards celebrate and promote initiatives that build whole of community resilience to disasters and emergencies around Australia. The Awards recognise collaboration and innovative thinking across a broad range of sectors, and initiatives that strengthen disaster resilience with communities, institutions, and the private sector. 

Winners from each state and territory are considered for the National Awards, which are in 10 categories. Finalists will be announced shortly.

The Resilient Australia Awards are sponsored by the Australian Government in partnership with the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience and the states and territories.

For more information about the awards program, visit the website here.
 

Sharyn Westlake, from Greater Wellington Regional Council, has advised us of the following webinars which may be of interest:

Improving Flood Warning and Response

5 November, 10:00 AEDT

Since 2019 FMA Member Greater Wellington has been improving its flood warning and response capability to improve its ability to respond to severe weather events. 
The objectives of the improvements program are to:

• Reduce the risk to life and damage to property from flooding through proactive emergency management.
• Establish a clear, consistent, cross agency response procedure to prepare, respond and recovery from flood events.
• Establish a warning system that allows for proactive flood risk management by communities and emergency management.
• Build awareness in communities at risk of flooding to the risk they face and the actions they can take to protect themselves and their property.

This webinar will cover the flood risk in the Wellington Region, the structure and role of the flood incident management team, the improvements journey so far, and what’s to come next.

The presenter is Andy Brown, Risk Management and Resilience Leader, Greater Wellington Regional Council.

To register https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XbOQxhzjS6Gp-Ukrz4N1lQ

Nature-based Solutions Feasibility Study – Multi-benefit Approaches to Building Westport’s Flood Resilience

11 November, 8:00am AEDT

The West Coast Regional Council has been investigating how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) could complement traditional flood defences and enhance flood resilience for the greater Westport area. The project explored how working with natural processes - such as wetland restoration, riparian revegetation, dune replenishment, urban raingardens, and flood flow velocity reduction - could help address the multiple flood hazards facing the region, including riverine, coastal, and pluvial flooding, while providing ecological and community co-benefits.

The project leads and a technical specialist will share insights from the feasibility study, discuss lessons learned from modelling and design, and outline how green and grey infrastructure can be integrated to build multi-benefit flood resilience for Westport.

Presenters

• Diana Rossiter – Project Manager, Dextera Ltd
• Glenn Irving – Project Manager, Alternity Concepts Ltd
• Emma Content - Senior Landscape Architect, BECA

To register https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fim1wSnCRxGFPYpfeLEoVA
 

The FMA Young Floodplain Managers (YFM) network exists to represent, engage, and inspire young floodplain management professionals across Australia. 

The objectives of the YFM are to:

• collaborate and share knowledge through networking opportunities, mentorships with industry leaders, professional development workshops and events, and social media platforms and forums where YFMs can discuss key issues and share innovative ideas
• inspire and empower YFMs to share new ideas and engage in industry discussions
• connect YFMs from across the public and private sectors as well as other young professional groups; and
• promote gender equality and diversity in all YFM activities and the broader industry.

Any floodplain manager is welcome to apply if committed to the objectives of the YFM. Whilst the YFM's mission is to represent, engage, support and inspire young floodplain management professionals across the nation, anyone who supports this objective is welcome to apply for membership of the YFM and engage in the group's actions, irrespective of their age or level of experience. 

Find out more about YFM and upcoming YFM events at the YFM Linkedin page here.
 

No current vacancies.