In January 2011 Queensland experienced flooding of historic proportions that impacted approximately 78% of the State. Sadly, thirty-three people died in the 2010/2011 floods and some 29 000 homes and businesses suffered some form of inundation. The scale of the disaster led to the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry. When the Commission’s final report was publicly released in March 2012, it contained a detailed examination of floodplain management, the range of responses to flood risk and how local and regional planning systems can best minimise the impact of floods. Please join us on 12 October 2021 for an online webinar that reflects on the 10 year anniversary of the Queensland floods of 2010/2011 and explores how floodplain hazard, risk management and environmental professional practices have evolved and shifted in the aftermath. Discussion will canvass regional and local snapshots, integrated natural systems thinking, a climate change lens and land use planning.

Meet the Speakers:

Shannon Haines, Director | Ethos Urban

Shannon is the 2015 Queensland Planner of the Year and received a Commendation Award in 2016 for Australian Planning of the Year. Shannon has more than 26 years experience in Local and State Government and as a consultant in strategic planning, scheme drafting, development assessment, community engagement and providing expert evidence. Shannon has expertise in risk-based planning for flood and coastal hazards and has presented to international conferences in Europe, Asia, Pacific, UK and in Australia on coastal hazard adaptation.

Martin Giles, Senior Principal Engineer | BMT

Martin is a specialist in hydraulic investigations with over 30 years of experience. Modelling work undertaken by Martin has included complex floodplain systems and the application of dynamic modelling to urban stormwater drainage design to allow the development of cost effective relief drainage solutions for constrained brownfield sites and existing flood prone-areas. Martin acts as an expert to the Planning and Environment Court, Land Court and Supreme Court and provides expert advice to State Government authorities in relation to development approvals.

Megan Gould, Program Leader River and Catchment Engineering | City of Logan

Megan is a civil engineer specialising in floodplain management who has developed foundation skills in hydrology, hydraulics, dam safety management, project management as well as disaster response. In her role as Program Leader – River and Catchment Engineering at Logan City Council, Megan regularly faces challenges in relation to flooding and drainage in a growing urban environment. Megan enjoys connecting the application of innovative and comprehensive studies prepared by industry consultants to deliver outcomes for the community.