Australia's leading network of flood professionals is hosting its National Conference at Sydney this week, bringing together delegates from Australia, New Zealand, USA and the UK to discuss how to make communities safer and more resilient to floods.
The Floodplain Management Australia (FMA) National Conference runs from 23 to 26 May at Luna Park Venues, Milsons Point, and is expecting over 480 flood experts to tour the city during that week.
The Conference "Preparing for the unprecedented flood", focuses on lessons learned from the flooding which affected much of Australia over the last 12 months, and how to better prepare for larger and more widespread floods likely to occur in the future.
FMA President Ian Dinham said, "The setting of this conference is very fitting, as Sydney's western suburbs and Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley have experienced repeated deadly floods over the past couple of years.
"Conference delegates will visit some of these locations and discuss the risks and challenges of living on floodplains. For instance, for a 1 in 100 chance in a year flood in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley some 55,000 people will need to evacuate."
"This is FMA's 63rd annual conference and the recent flood disasters have generated enormous interest in coming together to discuss these events, and to develop strategies to reduce the risks of future flood disasters.
"The four day program includes more than 100 speakers discussing urban and rural flooding, climate change, land use planning, communication, community education, and emergency response and recovery, as well as the latest technology and equipment" Mr. Dinham said.
"Each of these delegates have dedicated their professional lives to improving the safety and preparedness of communities around the nation. This week will allow them to further advance their knowledge and practical skills."
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FMA's Members include 180 councils, catchment management authorities, government agencies, businesses and professionals involved in all aspects of flood risk management.
The FMA National Conference Official Opening is on Wednesday 24 May at 8:30 am.
For more about the FMA Conference, visit floodplainconference.com, and to learn about FMA go to floods.asn.au
