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NEXT FMA MEETING FMA August Quarterly Meeting, Thursday 18 August 2016 in Sydney.
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FRM Short Course - An Ideal Intro for Councillors + Staff |
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The August Block of the FMA-OEH Short Course Introduction to Floodplain Risk Management will be running from the 4-5 August.
Floodplain Risk Management is aimed at engineers, emergency managers and land use planners who are engaged in, or seeking to enter, the floodplain risk management industry
in Australia and wanting to learn more about developing and implementing management plans considering best practice.
It is also suitable for elected local government officials and community representatives on floodplain risk management committees seeking a background in floodplain risk management, flood mitigation, emergency management and land use planning
issues.
Introduction to Floodplain Risk Management will cover:
• Variation of flood behaviour across Australia • Impacts of flooding on individuals and the community • Best practice in flood risk management in Australia • Roles and responsibilities for FRM • Desired outcomes of FRM projects • Developing and implementing FRM • Specifying & managing flood studies, FRM studies & plans • Involvement and engagement in the FRM process; and • A short introduction to hydraulic and hydrological modelling in FRM.
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Media Release: Flood Levee Saves Lismore CBD Again |
6 June 2016
Lismore CBD has again escaped flooding because of the $20 million flood levee built in 2005. Since then it has kept the city safe from floods in 2005, 2008, 2009 and now in June 2016.
Ian Dinham, President of the national network of flood professionals Floodplain Management Australia, said the Lismore experience again demonstrates the value of investing in flood protection.
“Deloittes Access Economics estimates that floods are costing Australia over $560 million every year on average, yet the annual investment in pre-disaster preparation is just $50 million” Mr Dinham said.
“More investment in flood levees like Lismore’s, and more funding for flood studies and planning, will save lives, reduce community hardship and misery, and lower property damage.”
“Data from
towns like St George in Queensland, which has recently constructed a flood levee, shows that when the flood risk is reduced, the community also benefits from reduced insurance premiums.”
Mr Dinham said that flooding is the most costly and yet manageable
of natural disasters in this country, but so much of Australia is still not prepared.
“A greater focus on prevention and mitigation of future flood events by Commonwealth and State governments is essential to ensuring Australia’s high risk communities are
adequately protected.
“The extreme weather conditions powered by the recent East Coast Low, has reminded communities of the need to be prepared for flooding in their local areas. We must acknowledge the Bureau of Meteorology for their timely weather and
flood predictions, which gave these communities the opportunity to ready themselves for the weather to come.
“Also, the brave work of the emergency services along the east coast over the past few days must be commended. Without these personnel, these times
of disaster would be much more dangerous for our communities.” |
Best Practice Floodplain Guide Has Moved |
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The Australian Emergency Management Handbook 7: Managing the Floodplain – a guide to best practice in flood risk management in Australia has moved to a new online home.
You will still need to register your details to gain free online access to the Handbook and the associated guides. Alternatively, you can order a hard copy of the Guide for $40.00 through the site. |
Media Release: Flood Investment Crucial |
8 June 2016
The widespread damage in Tasmania this week calls to attention the dire need for investment in flood mitigation around the country.
Floodplain Management Australia (FMA) President Ian Dinham
said the construction of levees, such as the 13 km levee system in Launceston, can provide protection against flooding and resulting community and business losses.
“The recent East Coast Low affecting the Eastern Seaboard of Australia has been a terrifying and exhausting time for so many communities” said Mr.
Dinham. “But in Launceston, the $55 million levee which was completed in 2015, has provided protection against the onslaught of floodwater over the past few days, with flood levels reaching the highest since 1969.”
The Launceston Flood Protection Scheme was funded by the Australian, and Tasmanian Governments,
and Launceston City Council. It protects up to 1,600 properties, part of the central business district, and historical and cultural buildings.
“Investment in mitigation is crucial, but it must be coupled with community awareness and education initiatives, much like the Launceston Flood Protection
Scheme.
“Our communities must understand how to ensure the safety of their families during times of extreme weather, by being adequately prepared, following the directions of emergency personnel, and never, ever driving through flood waters.
“Sadly there has been loss of life and property damage in areas not protected by levees, however the hard work of the Tasmanian State Emergency Service in very trying conditions must be applauded. Without their efforts losses would have been much greater.
“Climate change forecasts indicate that the likelihood of flooding will increase with rising global temperatures. The threat of flood is not dissipating - flood risk management programs must be supported.”
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Risk Frontiers: Flood Deaths are Avoidable |
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FMA Member Risk Frontiers has released a timely article regarding flood deaths in Australia.
“The flooding rains that have
drenched eastern Australia have tragically left several people dead and several more missing in New South Wales and Tasmania. This is an all-too-common story – flooding rains are a major cause of deaths
around the globe.
Since 1994, we have studied the trends and causes of deaths due to natural disasters. Recent
research into flood fatalities in Australia from 1900 to 2015 is revealing some important insights.
Our research suggests many of these deaths are avoidable.
Since 1900, 1,859 people in Australia have died in floods. That’s more than in bushfires and earthquakes, but less than heatwaves, which remain by far Australia’s most deadly natural peril (excluding pandemic diseases). Of these
flood deaths, 178 have occurred since 2000.
The majority of deaths have been male (79%), although the proportion of females has increased since the 1960s. Children and adults younger than 29 make up the majority.
Overall, most deaths have occurred in New South Wales and Queensland, although a greater proportion of people die in the Northern Territory compared to the population. Most deaths happen in relative isolation, in flood events that claim either one or two lives.
Most
people have died while attempting to cross a bridge, causeway, culvert or road, either on foot or in a vehicle. While most victims were capable of independent action and aware of the flood, the speed and depth of the water took them by surprise.
Of those who were attempting to reach a destination at the time of death, the greatest
number were on their way home. Playing in flood water is also a significant cause of death, particularly for children and young adults. More women and children died in floods due to the decisions of others – for example, being a passenger in a vehicle.
Those on foot mostly perished during the daytime, whereas those in vehicles were
more likely to die in the evening when visibility is poorer. The majority of fatalities happened within the local area close to where they lived.
Overall, flood deaths have been declining since the early 1960s. This is probably due to investments in flood mitigation and warning systems, and the work of emergency service
organisations such as the State Emergency Services. Deaths associated with motor vehicles, however, are on the rise and those associated with four-wheel-drive vehicles have increased over the past 15 years. The large majority of drivers have been men.
Our research has shown that many people simply ignore warnings and road closure signs. In one case in 2015 in NSW, 84% of motorists were observed driving past road closure signs and entering flood waters. Most were men driving four-wheel-drive
vehicles.”
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Water Technology: Free HydroNET Webinar |
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FMA Member Water Technology will be hosting a free HydroNET webinar on Tuesday 16 August.
Water Technology and Hydrologic have joined forces to make historical, current and forecast weather and water information easily
available via HydroNET.
Reliable data is essential for coping with, and preventing, climate related economic and humanitarian disasters. Knowledge is a pre-condition for effective decision-making and operational management involving the implications of a changing climate.
Managing water resources is a complex task and accessing current information and making timely decisions are important. HydroNET is a decision support service providing intelligent tools for operational and strategic water management.
Smart web-applications turn weather and water data into easy accessible maps and graphs empowering water professionals to
make better decisions for the sustainable management of water resources.
The webinar will run on Tuesday 16th August 2016 at 4pm AEST (2pm : Perth| 3.30pm : Adelaide & Darwin | 4pm : Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane).
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Media Release: Warragamba Dam Plan Applauded |
17 June 2016
Australia’s network of
flood professionals, Floodplain Management Australia (FMA), has applauded the announcement by NSW Premier Mike Baird that his government plans to reduce the flood risk to the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley by raising Sydney’s Warragamba Dam.
FMA President Ian Dinham said that the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley has a flood
prone population of 73,000 people for whom appropriate emergency management and recovery arrangements must be developed.
“The parts of Windsor, Richmond and Penrith have long been recognised as being at serious risk in the event of major floods, and FMA has been pleased to contribute its expertise to the
Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Risk Management Review” said Mr Dinham.
“An enormous amount of work has gone into the review process over the last four years, and we congratulate all who have been involved in completing this very complex and thorough review.
“The strategy represents an important milestone for flood risk management in Australia. It is satisfying that the NSW Government understands the seriousness of the flood risk, and is committing funding not just to further planning and studies for the dam, but also to immediate improvements in emergency response and evacuation
arrangements.
“Climate change forecasts indicate that the likelihood of flooding will increase with rising global temperatures. The threat of flood is not dissipating - flood risk management projects like this must be supported.”
Flooding is the most costly, yet manageable of natural disasters with recent estimates costing Australia over $560 million a year.
Floodplain Management Australia brings together experts from
across Australia and overseas to help build a more flood resilient nation. Members include over 120 councils, catchment management authorities, businesses, and professionals involved in urban and rural flood risk management.
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Save the Date 2017 FMA National Conference Newcastle |
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Have you saved the date yet for our 2017 National Conference in Newcastle, New South Wales?
This Conference will be the best
FMA Conference yet, with informative field trips, captivating keynote speakers and exciting social events all set to a welcoming coastal backdrop.
The Conference will also coincide with the ten-year anniversary of the infamous 2007 Pasha Bulka floods in the Hunter Valley region. There will be a special display
of the flood event for delegates to attend, with presentations about how Newcastle has moved forward with implementation and prevention.
Reserve 16-19 May 2017 in your diaries and budgets now so you don’t miss out. |
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Media Release: Little-known Danger of Driving in Floodwaters |
20 June 2016
The demonstration by
University of New South Wales researchers that it is surprisingly easy for modern cars to be swept away by as little as 60 millimetres of slow moving water is a timely warning as heavy rain and flooding continues along eastern Australia.
Floodplain Management Australia (FMA) President Ian Dinham said while much
is being done to reduce the flood risk to houses and businesses too many people are losing their lives when their vehicles are washed away by floodwater.
“Even large four-wheel drive vehicles which may be capable of driving in water were shown by the University research to not be safe when water is moving across
a roadway.
“It can be tempting to try to cross a short stretch of floodwater, but if the water is moving at all it can exert amazing force – enough to move a 2 tonne vehicle.
“Modern cars and four-wheel drives are very different to those in the past. They are water tight, so they float easily. In addition electric windows can fail to operate when wet, making escape more difficult.”
Mr Dinham said that much of the workload
of State Emergency Service personnel is related to water rescues. “These put rescue personnel at unnecessary risk and, sadly, they are not always successful.
“FMA congratulates the University of New South Wales on this important research, and fully supports the advice of the State Emergency Service not to drive
into floodwater.” |
Flood Community of Practice Website Launched |
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Information including overviews, videos and relevant reports is presented for all past Flood CoP events over the last two years are available on the website.
All upcoming events will also be presented there, so check back regularly for details along with news updates on initiatives from Flood Community of Practice participants.
Also available are the 11 presentations - as a combined video and power point - that were
presented early this year in February at the 2036 Brisbane River Flood Hypothetical event.
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HEC-RAS 2D Training - Special Offer |
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Surface Water Solutions will be hosting a number of HEC-RAS Workshops in the coming months, and FMA Members are eligible to receive a discount on the cost of attending.
The workshop dates are:
* Hobart 11-12 August * Adelaide 18-19 August * Brisbane 25-26 August * Sydney 1-2 September * Perth 6-7 October * Melbourne 20-21 October
Courses will be taught by Krey Price, an Australia-based hydraulic engineer who spent 15 years of his career developing hydraulic models for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Presentations, printed manuals, tutorial project files, and other course materials are provided under license agreement with WEST Consultants, a contracted training provider for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The intensive, interactive 2-day training course is designed to prepare attendees to build, run, and interpret 2D floodplain models using HEC-RAS 5.0, which was released for free download in March 2016.
The price for the 2-day course is $800+GST. A $100 discount is available for
Floodplain Management Australia members by entering the coupon code "FMA" at checkout.
Details and registration forms for upcoming courses are available at |
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Selex ES-Gematronik in cooperation with Monash University in Victoria will be hosting a Weather Radar Workshop from 16-18 November this year.
The theme for this year’s Workshop is “Applications and
benefits of Weather Radar data” which hopes to discuss a wide range of benefits to industry and the public of weather radar data.
Everyday users of weather radar data have the chance to hear and see what the Universities and other Australian radar scientists are offering and what co-operative activities are currently taking place.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Hear presentations about specific research and project progress
- Discuss how radar research is offering more products and services of direct benefit
to forecasters and the broader user community
- Understand the characteristics and benefits of Dual Pol radar
- Participate in discussions related to the benefits of co-operation within the radar
community.
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POSITIONS VACANT
As a service to our Members we welcome information on career opportunities in the area of floodplain management.
If you are interested in promoting a vacant
position with us,
contact us.
GRADUATES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT The FMA is occasionally contacted by young professionals in fields related to flood risk management seeking introductions to potential employers.
If your business is seeking a new employee please contact us, we may know of someone suitable. UPCOMING EVENTS
The International Riversymposium, New Delhi, 12-14 September 2016
The International Emergency Management Society 2016 Annual Conference,
San Deigo, California, USA, 13-15 September 2016
FLOODRisk,
Lyon, France, 17-21 October 2016
ICFRIR 2016: 18th International Conference on Flood Recovery, Innovation, and Response, Paris, France, 24-25 October 2016
Water, Infrastructure and Environment- 56th New Zealand Hydrological Society, 37th Australian Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, including 7th IPENZ Rivers Group, Queenstown, New Zealand, 28 November - 2 December
2016
FMA CAPS AROUND THE WORLD Where has your FMA Conference Cap been?
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Pictured: Justin Bear of Bluemont Pty Ltd wearing his red Conference cap while de-watering a flooded area of a water treatment plant for Sydney Water.
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Thanks for reading, and see you next month! P.S. HAVE YOU SAVED THE DATE FOR OUR 2017 CONFERENCE YET?
GO ON...YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!
If you found this Flyer interesting please forward it to a colleague, and suggest they sign up to receive it directly in
future. |
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