University of Technology Sydney

49117 Floodplain Risk Management

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

This subject aims to teach students the main elements of floodplain risk management (FRM) as practised in New South Wales. The FRM process in NSW provides for informed decision-making in the strategic management of flood risk through an appropriate:

  • understanding of flood behaviour in the catchment in its current condition and in considering the long term development of the catchment
  • understanding of the variation in hazard across the floodplain and its different sources and the associated consequences for existing and future development
  • assessment of options to manage flood risk to existing development through mitigation measures from a broad perspective consistent with the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy
  • assessment of options to develop the floodplain in consideration of flood hazard and behaviour to ensure that development extents and conditions are consistent with the maintenance of flood behaviour, the residual flood hazard and the objectives of the policy.

The subject is aimed at a wide body of students seeking a detailed knowledge and background in FRM and associated land use planning issues in NSW. The subject is supported by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Floodplain Management Authorities of NSW.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Explain flood behaviour in the catchment in its current condition and able to relate this to the long term development of the catchment. (D.1)
2. Distinguish the variation in hazard across the floodplain and its different sources and the associated consequences for existing and future development. (D.1)
3. Critically assess options to manage flood risk to existing development through mitigation measures from a broad perspective consistent with the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy. (C.1)
4. Critically assess options to develop the floodplain in consideration of flood hazard and behaviour to ensure that development extents and conditions are consistent with the maintenance of flood behaviour, the residual flood hazard and the objectives of the Policy. (C.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
  • Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:

  • 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
  • 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
  • 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

Teaching and learning strategies

All block class sessions for this subject will now be conducted online. There will be no face-to-face or on-campus class and consultation sessions for this subject. The subject coordinator and teaching staff in the subject will facilitate these block class sessions via Zoom and/or MS teams at the scheduled times of teaching activities to answer student queries.

In preparation for block classes students should watch the introductory video on Canvas. Students should reflect on the issues raised in the video and the questions posted on Canvas related to the video. This will be discussed during a tutorial during block 1 where students can share reflections and feedback with colleagues in tutorial groups. The discussion is moderated by the subject coordinator, affording the opportunity to provide feedback on students reflections and answers and direct further learning.

In this subject there are numerous formative assessments activities (some do not contribute to overall assessment) from Block 1 onward that are designed to allow students to practice using their new knowledge/skills and receive feedback from the lecturer.

The lectures are interactive in all aspects of the course of instruction, which will include the use of power-point presentations and selected videos. Students are expected to actively take part in class discussion to, in part, help build their communication skills as well as consolidate concepts of stormwater design. The lectures will have a practical bias.

Students are expected to read the indicated materials and answer the associated online questions before the lecture so that the lecture can focus on problem solving activities individually or in small groups and any problematic material rather than parts which students can understand by themselves.

All relevant lecture material including notes, videos, reference material, design handbooks, tutorials, online questions, assignments, etc will be placed on Canvas. Teaching materials have a practical focus that aims to be relevant to professional engineering practice. Some of the workshops and tutorials may be given by guest lecturers with industry expertise to link the subject to professional engineering practice.

Content (topics)

Introduction to Floodplain Risk Management

The objectives are:

  • a good understanding of how FRM is undertaken in NSW and the roles of relevant agencies;
  • a good understanding of the principle of FRM and the desired outcomes of FRM projects;
  • improved skills to work on FRM projects and be more effectively involved in the FRM process; and
  • improved ability to specify and manage FRM projects.

The syllabus include:

  • The FRM Partnership – identifying roles and responsibilities;
  • Working within the FRM Process – understanding technical terms, discussing the management of the process from establishing committees, grant applications and management, brief development and project management, through to working with committees to develop and implement FRM plans;
  • Data Collection. Understanding the data that is necessary and the sources and costs;
  • Modelling Basics and Model Review. Overview of model purpose, operation, selection and limitation. Along with an outline of the key issues to consider in the specification and review of modelling;
  • Understanding the need for and the basics of defining flood and hydraulic categories;
  • Overview of the desired outcomes from the FRM Process and how these can be assessed; and
  • Roles during and after a major flood.

Managing Flood Risk to Existing Properties

The objectives are to make the students more able to effectively manage flood risk to existing properties by providing them with a good understanding of the:

  • roles of FRM studies and plans in managing risk to existing development;
  • FRM issues for existing development;
  • full range of practical FRM options and associated decision making and implementation issues;
  • issues that need to be considered in determining the appropriate option for a particular situation;
  • the impacts works can have upon the environment and other management objectives and how these can be considered;
  • an understanding of the approvals necessary for mitigation work projects;
  • need to consider continuing flood risk and how to manage this risk; and
  • ways to facilitate implementation of management plans.

The syllabus include:

  • outline of management studies and management plans;
  • detailed understanding of all the options available and the relevant issues;
  • detailed understanding of continuing risk issues and the options for its management;
  • an outline of the information required to assist SES in planning for emergency response; and
  • case studies to provide practical experience in considering these issues.

Effective Consideration of Flood Risk in Land Use Planning

The objectives are to make the students more able to effectively manage flood risk to future development by providing them with a good understanding of the:

  • responsibilities for managing risk to future properties and associated duty of care issues;
  • roles of management studies and plans in managing risk to future property;
  • the current legislation and policy framework;
  • the benefits of managing flood risk strategically;
  • the options that are available to manage risk to future development;
  • understanding planning certificates;
  • need to consider continuing flood risk and how to manage this risk; and
  • how to effectively implement recommendations.

The syllabus include:

  • why consider flooding in land use planning;
  • role of management studies and plans;
  • detailed understanding of all the options available and the relevant issues;
  • detailed understanding of continuing risk issues and the options for its management;
  • an outline of the information required to assist SES in planning for emergency response;
  • an understanding of how LEPs, DCPs and policies can be used to manage flood risk; and
  • several case studies to provide practical experience in considering these issues

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Report 1

Intent:

The aim of this assessment task is to generate a report from a choice of three topics covering:

1) Floodplain management policy, including the development of the policy and the rationale.

2) Floodplain management procedures - how floodplain management is implemented.

3) Role of mathematical modelling in floodplain management.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1 and 2

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 25%
Length:

As a guide your assignment should be approximately 10 pages long including any diagrams. The entire assignment must be submitted as a single report in Word or PDF format.
Criteria:

Marking critieria and marks allocation are provided in the assignment.

Assessment task 2: Report 2

Intent:

The aim of this assessment task is to generate a report assigning appropriate land uses for the different parts of a town compatible with its flood risk including development of a control plan.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 3 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1 and D.1

Type: Report
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: 25%
Length:

No more than 10 pages in length including tables and worksheets, accompanying maps, DCP and LEP.
Criteria:

Marking criteria and marks allocation are provided in the assessment task briefing.

Assessment task 3: Report 3

Intent:

The aim of this assessment task is to generate a report on the role of smart housing and provision of critical infrastructure in reducing flood risk.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

2, 3 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1 and D.1

Type: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 25%
Length:

Complete tables and worksheets, accompanying maps, DCP and LEP. The entire assignment must be submitted as a single report in Word or PDF format.
Criteria:

Marking criteria and marks allocation are provided in the assessment task briefing.

Assessment task 4: Report 4

Intent:

The aim of this assessment task is to generate a report from a choice of two topics covering:

1) Role of the SES and its policy and procedures, including emergency planning.

2) Development of Floodplain management options, including a selection of a mix of mitigation measures.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

3 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1

Type: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 25%
Length:

As a guide your assignment should be approximately 10 pages long including any diagrams.

Criteria:

Marking critieria and marks allocation are provided in the assessment task brief.

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Required texts

New South Wales Government, 2005, 'Floodplain Development Manual', Sydney.

Floodplain Management in Australia, Primary Industries Report Series 73, CSIRO Press, ISBN: 0643060340

Recommended texts

A considerable amount of information is available from other government bodies, as documents and from their websites, for example:

Office of Environment of Heritage - Floodplain

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/floodplains/index.htm

www.floods.org.au – Floodplain Management Authorities

NSW Council websites.

Use search engine – “Floodplain Management”

Other information will be provided as readings with these notes.