Flood risk management policies and resources

Queensland Flood Risk Management Framework

The Queensland Flood Risk Management Framework sets the direction for flood risk management in the state. In Queensland, governance of flood risk management is based on a collaborative, decentralised model with shared roles and responsibilities.

Responsibility for flood risk management generally rests with local governments, as they are the major service provider to communities and are responsible for managing local development.

Governance and flood risk management related policies in Queensland are dispersed across various state-level agencies to support decision making by local governments.

Five metrics have been developed to support measuring improvements in flood risk management and resilience for all Queensland communities. Each metric seeks to capture aspirations of Flood Risk Management (FRM) practices prescribed under the QFRMF. The metrics have been developed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) in consultation with stakeholders. These metrics have been measured for all local government areas statewide to develop the 2020-2021 baseline metrics report. Annual progress reports against the baseline metrics will be presented to the Queensland Resilience Coordination Committee (QRCC). The first report will focus on projects and funding being delivered between 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

State guideline: Flood evacuation route improvements

The State guideline: Flood evacuation route improvements and supporting materials provide guidance on a process to support the identification of 'fair and reasonable' flood evacuation route improvements in Queensland.

The Guideline outlines an options assessment process that supports decision making in relation to flood evacuation route improvements. The Guideline can be used to inform flood risk management activities, and has been designed to be used by local governments, state agencies and Queensland’s disaster management groups, supported as needed by suitably qualified or experienced persons.

Economic Assessment Framework of Flood Risk Management Projects

The Economic Assessment Framework of Flood Risk Management Projects (2021) is a resource to support Queensland’s flood risk practitioners, state and local governments. The framework describes a five-stage process for undertaking economic assessment for flood risk management and provides the tools to undertake an economic assessment.

Alternative Flood Warning Infrastructure (Rain and Level Gauges) Guideline for Minimum Requirements

Alternative flood warning infrastructure has the potential to complement the existing Flood Warning Infrastructure Standard gauge network to deliver substantial benefits to not only the asset owner, but to all stakeholders within the flood risk management space.

The Queensland Government has established a set of minimum requirements through a Guideline to support all future asset owners to procure quality, fit for purpose assets that meet their identified flood warning needs.

Case study: Rebuilding Grantham