SES supporting flood risk management in Tasmania

Flooding is a natural process – but floods can cost communities if the risk is not properly managed. Flooding is one of the highest risk natural hazards that pose a threat to Tasmania. Flooding was the second most costly natural hazard between 1967 and 2005, with the average annual cost of flooding in Tasmania estimated to be $6.9 million.

SES supports flood risk management to reduce Tasmanians’ exposure to flood risks.

Flood plain risk assessment guidelines for councils

The Floodplain Risk Assessment Guidelines for Municipal Councils in Tasmania are for municipal councils and municipal emergency management committees in areas with significant risks posed by flooding hazards. They help when conducting detailed specific flood risk assessments that may be required to compliment municipal level all-hazards risk assessments, and identify options to treat risks.

The guidelines summarise a method for the assessment of floodplain risks that are consistent with the revised 2015 National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines (NERAG) and Managing the Floodplain: a guide to best practice in flood risk management in Australia. If you require these documents in a different format, email us at ses@ses.tas.gov.au and let us know.

For further information on the guidelines contact the SES Emergency Management Unit.

Tasmanian Strategic Flood Mapping Project

The project was developed following severe floods in 2016, which made it clear that it is critical to have an understanding of flood risks, so we can effectively invest in recovery and increase community resilience to future flood events. See

    For enquiries email ses@ses.tas.gov.au and include Tasmanian Strategic Flood Maps in the subject line.

    Support for councils’ detail flood studies

    SES has developed guidelines for Tasmanian councils to conduct detailed flood studies.  For a copy of these guidelines, please email ses@ses.tas.gov.au.

    Detailed local flood studies grants program for municipal councils

    SES runs a funding program to assist municipal councils fund more detailed local flood studies in areas of identified need. The studies will be consistent with national best practice guidelines. For further information, please email ses@ses.tas.gov.au or phone 03 6173 2700

    Supporting land use planning and building control policy for flood risk management

    SES provides advice on land use planning issues and flood risk exposure to councils and the State Planning Office.

    SES with the State Planning Office and the Director of Building Control are currently developing guidance to amend Tasmanian land use planning and building control arrangement to help reduce future flood risk exposure.

    Detailed local flood studies grants program for municipal councils

    A funding program for 2024–25 will be available to assist municipal councils fund more detailed local flood studies in areas of identified need. The studies will be consistent with national best practice guidelines.

    Further Information

    You can get further information on the Tasmanian Flood Map Project by contacting the State Emergency Service on 03 6173 2700 or ses@ses.tas.gov.au.