The 56th Floodplain Management Australia Conference opened today in Nowra, New South Wales.
This year’s conference is being held at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre and will run until Friday.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Joanna Gash, joined the Hon David Elliott MP, NSW Minister for Corrections, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Veterans Affairs in opening conference.
Mayor Gash said the conference, themed ‘Rock ‘n’ Role – Innovation and Role in Flood Risk Management’ will look at best practice and innovation and the different stakeholder ‘roles’ in floodplain management.
“Shoalhaven City Council is extremely proud to be hosting this special three-day event which has brought together over 270 speakers and attendees from across Australia as well as some from overseas to share their ideas and experiences on managing flood risk,” said Mayor Gash.
“Conference attendees include Commonwealth, State and Local Government representatives, research organisations and education providers as well as consultants, engineers, land-use planners, and community volunteer organisations.”
The Mayor said floodplain management is critical to quality of life in Shoalhaven.
“Our diverse landscape brings with it many challenges, which is why floodplain management is a top priority for Council.
“Our Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans have shown that most of our catchments respond quickly leaving little time for warning or evacuation.
“We are regularly impacted by East Coast Lows, which means multiple coastal catchments typically flood at once, with our road network being most vulnerable.
“Many of the findings of the studies and plans state that most flood mitigation structures are not feasible, which has led to Council focusing on land use planning, development controls, community education and improved warning and emergency information.”
Mayor Gash said the conference will provide great value for the Shoalhaven community.
