WATERLINES ISSUE 2, 2021 - flood preparedness
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WATERLINES
ISSUE 2, 2021
flood preparedness
STEVE CLARK
Managing Director Welcome to our latest
issue of Waterlines
There is an enormous body of work now available showing that
investing in resilience yields a double dividend. This is achieved,
as described in Deloitte Access Economics Report Building our
Nation’s Resilience to Natural Disasters, through firstly reducing the
cost of natural disasters and secondly driving social and economic
‘co-benefits’ that arise even in the absence of a disaster. The report
goes on to detail that Current Australian and State Government
spending on direct recovery from disasters is around $2.75 billion
per year, compared to funding directly for natural disaster resilience
of approximately $100 million per year.
Our Water Technology team are passionate about leading and contributing to the
development of resilience in the floodplain management space.
Over the course of the following pages, you'll also get the chance to read through
and experience several accounts of our talented team's expertise in action,
including studies, detailed analysis, real-world operations, and formulation of
action plans for mitigating flooding and its damages – in addition to meeting
some of our early-career professionals, Cheryl, Michael, and Tahlia, who each
come from unique backgrounds and share a powerful drive and vision for the
future of the industry, and the world at large. I really can't wait for you to get to
know them!
In this edition of Waterlines, we showcase several flood preparedness
and response projects that we have recently completed, including:
• A large-scale flood investigation of the Mary River (of personal
interest to me as it was experiencing Mary River flooding as a kid
that sparked my interest in flooding in general and set the direction
for my future career).;
• How community engagement supports better flood study outcomes
Real-world flood events honing the skills of floodplain managers; and
• A large-scale flood investigation of the Mary River.
Thank you for taking the time to read Waterlines. Please do not hesitate to contact
me or any of the Water Technology team at any stage if we can be of assistance.
2 WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021
The Power of
Community Engagement
NEERIM SOUTH FLOOD STUDY
Neerim South, Victoria, is a vibrant existing flood risk to the community
township of approximately 1,300 and guide future land use development.
residents known for its rural lifestyle The Neerim South Flood Study,
and nature-based tourism. Its unique completed by Water Technology,
position on the top of a ridgeline, aimed to build a flood model capable
located east of the Bunyip State of replicating issues experienced by
Forest, marks the boundary between residents while investigating drainage
catchments managed by the West solutions to reduce flood risk to the
Gippsland Catchment Management community. Two opportunities to
Authority and Melbourne Water, with engage with the community were
the local drainage on both sides being planned during the study. The first
was a face-to-face drop-in session
managed by Baw Baw Shire Council.
at a local community hall. Residents
Despite no catchment-scale flood were encouraged to share supporting of gauge data, which can lead to
study results or mapping information photos, videos, and stories of inaccuracy, misrepresenting the
being available, the community historical flooding events. During the scale of flooding, or error. This study
regularly experiences flooding, forming 2020 Victorian COVID lockdown, the emphasised the importance and
an acute awareness for the location second workshop was held online; crucial need for engagement with the
and magnitude of the flooding issues the aim was to validate preliminary local community, listening to their lived
in the township. These flooding flood modelling results by sharing experience of flood events in order
hotspots are known to be the result an interactive online map with all to provide a collective (technical and
of legacy overland flow paths where participants. This second session of community) understanding of flood
development and infrastructure have community collaboration highlighted impacts and their risks. Council flood
since occurred, causing diversions some discrepancies between the reporting and complaint registers are
of the overland flow paths towards flood modelling results and what the valuable sources of information that
residential developments and community had experienced and should be supplemented by listening,
infrastructure. With the township recorded, thus leading improvements emphasising, and actively engaging
predicted to experience moderate in the modelling investigations. with the local community on any
population growth in the future, it is flood study. Working closely with
Model calibration to historical events
critical for the Council to map out land councils and communities to better
is often constrained due to a lack
to be set aside for drainage, reduce understand historical flood events is
critical to delivering the highest value
technical outputs for mitigating risk
and supporting community resilience.
For more information, contact
+61 3 8526 0800,
Belinda Tam
(belinda.tam@watertech.com.au)
Celine Marchenay
(celine.marchenay@watertech.com.au)
WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021 3
Large-Scale Flood Investigation
to inform Land-Use Planning
In March 2020, Water Technology was commissioned by Gympie
Regional Council (GRC) to undertake a major flood study for the Mary
River in order to better understand flood behaviour and inform land-
use planning. Flooding in the Mary River catchment has occurred on
numerous occasions, extending back to 1841, when flood records
were first documented. The Mary River is a critical waterway within the
Gympie Local Government Area, and historic flooding in the catchment
has resulted in extensive community impacts.
The project involved detailed hydrological and hydraulic modelling and
joint calibration for a large catchment and is the most comprehensive and
detailed study of the catchment undertaken to date. The URBS hydrology
model developed for the study is the largest ever constructed. The hydraulic
model is likely one of the largest and most detailed TUFLOW models that
employ the latest Quadtree and Sub-Grid Sampling enhancements to more
accurately represent the topography and improve model accuracy.
informing catchment flood risk
4 WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021
The assessment included flood frequency analyses on
several stream gauges, including consideration of paleo
flood events. Monte Carlo analysis using URBS was
undertaken to justify the use of ARR2019 ensembles for
design event modelling. The hydrological and hydraulic
models were also used to assess temporal pattern
variability, focal point sensitivity, and potential impacts
of climate change. Flood mapping for the entire Gympie
Local Government Area was developed as part of the
study, and included the full extent of events up to the PMF.
Flood results and mapping produced by Water Technology
have allowed the Council to progress detailed planning in
priority development precincts, such as at Kybong.
Study outcomes have significant consequences
for other flood studies in the area and for future
development control. The study outputs will be
used to reliably inform catchment flood risk,
which will enable the Council to proactively
manage all aspects of the floodplain well into
the future.
The project was completed in January 2021. We
are incredibly proud of the quality of the study
findings and outputs. Special thanks to Don
Carroll for providing technical review and advice,
and to Carlos Gonzalez at the Department of
Transport and Main Roads for facilitating the
sharing of the Cooroy to Curra upgrade designs,
which added considerable value to the project.
For more information, contact +61 7 3105 1460
James Weidmann (james.weidmann@watertech.com.au)
WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021 5
QUEENSLAND RESILIENCE PROGRAM
Burdekin and Haughton Audit Analysis
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) recently network, identify opportunities for network optimisation,
provided the final project briefing for the Burdekin and common asset management, strategic partnerships, and
Haughton Flood Resilience Strategy to partner councils, key transport links which may be able to benefit from flood
which will guide the way in which eight councils warning infrastructure. Commentary and recommendations
(Barcaldine Regional Council, Burdekin Shire Council, were provided for the future management of flood warning
Charters Towers Regional Council, Isaac Regional infrastructure assets in the catchment.
Council, Mackay Regional Council, Tablelands Regional
Council, Townsville Regional Council, and Whitsunday The Audit and Analysis adopted a four-stage assessment
Regional Council) within the Burdekin and Haughton involving a comprehensive data review, which provided
catchments will proactively work together to reduce flood baseline data towards flood classification levels to determine
risk and increase resilience. minor, moderate, and major flood levels for flood forecasting
gauge locations. These gauges provide a critical element
Water Technology was delighted to be one of the key project
of planning and flood response for multiple agencies. The
partners and contributors to the deliverables of this project.
review was limited by using available flood information and
Water Technology provided key data analysis to assist the
data but provided a foundation for Councils to proactively
completion of the Flood Warning Infrastructure Network
engage with their respective communities in regard to flood
Project within the context of building a regional flood resilience
warning, and links predicted flood levels with real-world
action plan in the Burdekin and Haughton catchments. This
impacts. The review also enabled recommendations to be
included a desktop analysis of gauge coverage, asset types,
made for new flood studies as part of maturing investments
the level of service, identification of gaps in the network,
into a warning service.
and a review of the flood classification levels following QRA
guidelines. We are extremely excited to follow the delivery of the Flood
Resilience Strategy across the Burdekin and Haughton
Water Technology carried out an assessment of situational
catchments, and greatly look forward to seeing it being
awareness in the catchment to determine gaps in the
implemented over time.
6 WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021
For more information, contact
+61 7 3105 1460
Richard Sharp
(richard.sharp@watertech.com.au)
WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021 7
Real-World Flood Events
Honing the Skills of Floodplain Managers
Floodplain managers have a wide variety of tools
at their disposal which allow for a largely technical
Core Water Technology business is providing assistance
and meticulous assessment of flood events. Flood
to various insurance agencies following devastating
modelling is typically a quantitative process involving
flood events. This assistance usually takes the form
technical analyses of flooding behaviour to replicate
of providing site-specific hydrology reports to assist
historic events and characterise design flood events.
in determining insurance claims. This work requires a
What is often overlooked is the assessment of flooding
sensitive approach due to the often tragic nature of
behaviour in a real-world environment.
circumstances and requires the involvement of senior
staff in applying learned floodplain knowledge and an
understanding of catchment hydrology in a real-world
setting. Floodplain engineers use computers and flood
models to attempt to replicate flood events, but there
is no substitute for actually getting on the ground and
analysing a flood event in person. The impacts and
magnitude of a flood event is something that cannot
be grasped by solely using computer models.
Water Technology has recently been assisting several
insurance companies in undertaking assessments
in the Central Coast of NSW and Newcastle district
following the severe flood events of Late March 2021.
In many areas, recorded rainfall was more than a
1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP), with flood
events in regional river systems hitting record levels in
the Manning, Hastings, and Myall River catchments —
resulting in widespread and extensive damage. A critical
task for Water Technology hydrologists was observing
catchment conditions and associated damage,
8 WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021
assessing rainfall and water level cases, the critical deliverable is usually
data and conducting comprehensive is a concise technical report compiled
interviews with residents and property to allow readers of varying technical
owners. This third task is particularly backgrounds to become familiar with
critical, given the sensitive nature of the inundation mechanisms at the
the events and the often overwhelming specific properties during the event.
extent of the damage. Water Technology
This work – which can be sporadic,
hydrologists are highly skilled in For more information, contact
frenetic and unfortunately traumatic –
communicating complex, technical +61 7 3105 1460
is a vital part of disaster response and
information in a format suitable for public Andrew Thompson
recovery following a flood event.
discussions in trying times. In these (andrew.thompson@watertech.com.au)
“
WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021 9
Young Water Professionals
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Being a member of networks like
these helps bridge the gap with senior
Cheryl Briars colleagues by offering opportunities
for professional development and
Young Floodplain Managers (YFM)
personal growth. Coming from the UK,
was established over the last year
as a separate chapter to Floodplain
Cheryl has found it a great way to grow Dr Michael Di Matteo
her professional network in Queensland
Management Australia. The vision Michael has been a member of
and become aware of what's going on
and objective is to provide a platform the Stormwater SA Committee
in the industry. Someone once told her
to network, share knowledge, since 2018, and a member of
that you should stay curious and say
engage, and inspire people in their the Communications working
“yes” to opportunities that come your
early careers. group, where he is responsible for
way – and this is definitely one of them.
coordinating the organisation's
Cheryl has been on the committee The YFM group is currently working newsletter and social media. Michael
for Queensland YFM since it formed, to organise a walking (and ferry is passionate about communicating
and being on this committee adds hopping) tour of the Brisbane River how stormwater management can
great value and a connections across towards the end of the financial year, deliver multiple liveability benefits to
the industry, helping with building providing a storytelling experience Australian communities.
confidence and forming relationships of the 2011 Brisbane floods – their
In 2018, through Stormwater SA
with people in the industry – clients impact, response, and recovery. There
funding, Michael represented
and mentors alike. This empowers her are plenty of upcoming events to get
South Australia on the National
to actively contribute to the industry involved in and meet like-minded
eWater MUSIC X Technical Panel. He
outside of core work commitments – people across the industry! Head to
presented feedback from SA MUSIC
which she finds enjoyable, as Cheryl the YFM Website or LinkedIn page for
users following a workshop held at
loves creating a good plan! more information.
10 WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021Tahlia Rossi Queensland Water Modelling Network
Tahlia is a strategic planner in our Advisory Board, and is encouraged
Planning, Resilience and Expert that a strategic planning perspective
Services team. Formerly with the is invited to join an often-technical-
City of Gold Coast, she shares what focused conversation.
motivated her to get involved in
So, is being involved of value? While
industry networks and the value that
these positions are voluntary, meetings
this can bring.
are outside of work hours, and can add
Reflecting on what brought her to tasks to your already-packed to-do list,
Brisbane, and Water Technology, for joining an organising committee shows
Water Technology offices, and the
Tahlia it was the feeling that participating you all the work that goes on behind
feedback was then used by eWater to
in industry activities and being able to the scenes and gives you a direct line
improve the MUSIC user experience.
build networks with peers is central to put your ideas forward. Aside from
Michael continued to work with the
to having a progressive career. Now, the buzz of making things happen,
Technical Panel and provide updates
having been in Brisbane for a little over the informal training – combined with
to the Stormwater SA Committee,
a year, this intention has been fulfilled, getting to know industry leaders and
including testing of MUSIC X.
and being part of a workplace that building a strong network – makes
Michael recently (2020) won the supports this involvement makes all volunteering a unique experience.
inaugural Stormwater SA Young the difference.
Committees may not be for everyone,
Professional Award. He has
Working in a niche field of urban but industry involvement can be
demonstrated great innovation and
planning and an emerging aspect very scalable – from simply keeping
leadership in applying machine learning
of the water industry, she has been in the loop to attending events or
optimisation techniques to stormwater
exploring the connections between the contributing your stories of recent
management planning, water quality
two, which has led to joining both the projects/research to industry working
and harvesting assessment, real-
Australian Water Association Young groups. In whatever capacity available
time control, and drainage network
Water Professionals committee and the to you, what action could you take
design. As an Adjunct Lecturer with
Planning Institute of Australia's Women this week to connect with someone,
the University of Adelaide, Michael
in Planning Network committee, from share a recent experience, or learn
remains an active industry advisor and
which Tahlia has been looking for something new about an area you are
student mentor for SMART stormwater
the inter-relatedness between these interested in? In the end, I think that's
research.
industries. She is also a member of the what it's all about.
WATERLINES : ISSUE 2, 2021 11Staff Profile
Melinda Lutton Mel joined Water Technology's Natural Resources Management team
Principal Environmental Engineer
in 2019, and is the Regional General Manager for SA. She first started
SA Regional Manager her engineering career in the Northeast of England with a Civil and
Environmental Engineering degree. With an interest in water generally, Mel
feels privileged to have worked on a wide range of water-related projects.
She has been fortunate enough to work on some iconic schemes in some
of the world's most beautiful places in the UK, India, and now in Australia.
She moved with her family to Australia in 2011, and is still happily here –
despite this move only being for "definitely three years maximum"!
Some of the projects Mel has worked on include the 2012 London Olympics canoe course,
UK city-wide flood defence schemes, writing flood management policy, wastewater treatment
works, large sewerage networks, flood mitigation schemes, water asset management and
prioritisation, and floodplain infrastructure management. In addition to her civil design skills,
she has also gained a robust working knowledge of construction and contract management,
and recently became a Fellow of both Engineers Australia and the Institution of Civil Engineers.
She foresees upcoming water challenges to include integrated water management, and how
integrated solutions can resolve water supply, management, and disposal issues, and she is
greatly looking forward to helping grow the combined skills of the Hydrogeology and Natural
Resources Management teams in SA.
More than just professionally, she also has a love of water in her personal life, swimming
year-round in the ocean, and in any pools she can find. She has a growing collection of towels
awarded for completing all of the Open Water Series swims in SA. Her greatest achievement
was her first 10k open water swim, but she has also completed the Rottnest Channel swim in
challenging conditions that really taught her something about herself.
Contact: +61 8 8378 8000, melinda.lutton@watertech.com.au
Office Locations
MELBOURNE SYDNEY BRISBANE ADELAIDE
(Head Office) Level 1, 20 Wentworth Street Level 5, 43 Peel Street 1/198 Greenhill Road
15 Business Park Drive Parramatta South Brisbane Eastwood
Notting Hill VIC 3168 NSW 2124 QLD 4101 SA 5063
+61 3 8526 0800 +61 2 8080 7346 +61 7 3105 1460 +61 8 8378 8000
PERTH WANGARATTA GEELONG WIMMERA
430 Roberts Road 40 Rowan Street 51 Little Fyans Street 597 Joel South Road
Subiaco Wangaratta Geelong Stawell VIC 3380
WA 6904 VIC 3677 VIC 3220 +61 3 8526 0838
+61 8 6555 0105 +61 3 5721 2650 +61 3 8526 0821
GOLD COAST NEW ZEALAND
Level 4, 194 Varsity Parade 7/3 Empire Street
Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 Cambridge NZ 3434
EMAIL: info@watertech.com.au
+61 7 5676 7602 +64 27 777 0989 HydroNET: hydronet@watertech.com.au
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