During 2010 and 2011 Australia experienced some of the most damaging and costly floods in recorded history. Approximately 80% of Queensland was declared a disaster zone and extensive flooding occurred in other eastern states, notably Victoria. Four major inquiries were held into these floods, the findings of which may help reduce deaths, injuries and property losses resulting from future floods. Because climate change may increase the severity, likelihood and impacts of future flooding, it is important to understand and evaluate both the process and the outcomes from these inquiries.

This project aimed to synthesise findings of Australian and overseas flood inquiries and reviews to identify lessons for living with floods in Australia. Researchers analysed and synthesised the findings of four recent Australian flood inquiries, using a ‘Prevention, Preparation, Response and Recovery’ framework; and the findings of overseas flood inquiries from China, the Netherlands and the USA. Key Australian flood impact and response stakeholders were also interviewed about flood adaptation options.

This document summarises key findings from the NCCARF report Living with floods: Key lessons from Australia and abroad (to be published 21 March 2013). The project was funded by NCCARF and led by Karen Hussey, The Australian National University.

This photo “a suburban area flooded along the Brisbane river on January 13” is copyright ©2011 Beacon Radio and made available under an Attribution-Noncommercial 2.0 license