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.

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.

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

Tasmanian Flood Map Project

The Tasmanian Flood Map Project is a $3 million, 3 year project that began in October 2018. It is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments. It will:

• ensure that most, if not all communities, will have access to a high resolution digital terrain model through the collection of light detection and ranging (LiDAR)
• develop the Tasmanian Flood Map to support a flood risk assessment, and the development of land use planning and building controls
• partner with local governments to undertake detailed flood studies and evacuation planning for the communities most at risk of flooding.

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.

State-wide high resolution digital terrain model

The digital terrain model will provide high quality and consistent statewide data for flood and flood plain studies, especially studies using 2D modelling.

State-wide Tasmanian Flood Map

The statewide flood map will provide information that can be used to inform decisions about:

• social and economic recovery from the 2016 floods
• business and household flood recovery, mitigation investment, and preparedness
• emergency management planning
• community mitigation investment
• land-use planning, and building control.

The flood hazard map will be developed using a 2D direct rainfall-on-grid approach. It will deliver statewide flood extent, flood function and flood hazard layers for a range of defined flood events to best practice guidelines.

Detailed local flood studies grants program for municipal councils

A grants program for 2020–21 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 Office of Security and Emergency Management on 03 6270 5486, SEM@dpac.tas.gov.au or the State Emergency Service on 03 6173 2700 or ses@ses.tas.gov.au.