About Us
Floodplain Management Australia is the peak national body for flood risk practitioners in Australia.
FMA promotes the wise management of development on floodplains and greater community awareness of flood-related issues, helping to reduce risks to life and property. We represent the interests of our Members at local, state and federal government levels while supporting professional development, collaboration and information sharing across the flood risk management sector.
Who We Are
FMA brings together local councils, catchment management authorities, federal, state and territory government agencies, businesses and professionals involved in all aspects of urban and rural flood risk management.
Our national network includes more than 190 local councils and organisations across every state and territory of Australia, connecting practitioners from government, consulting, engineering, planning, emergency management, research and education.
What We Do
Advocate
Represent the interests of Members and promote greater investment, support and capability in flood risk management.
Connect
Bring practitioners together to exchange knowledge, share experience and build stronger professional networks.
Develop
Support professional development through conferences, workshops, education and industry-based learning opportunities.
Lead
Encourage strategic approaches that guide appropriate development and improve the management of floodplain areas.
FMA National Conference
The annual FMA National Conference is one of Australia’s most established and respected flood risk management events, bringing together practitioners to exchange information and help shape priorities for flood risk management across the country.
Delegates include Commonwealth, state and local government representatives, researchers, educators, consultants, engineers, land-use planners, emergency responders and community volunteer organisations. Conference programs have also welcomed international contributors from the USA, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Vietnam.
Education & Professional Development
In 2009, FMA partnered with the then NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and the University of Technology Sydney to initiate Australia’s first industry-based flood risk management course tailored to technical and land-use planning practitioners, as well as elected council representatives.
The program has been delivered with UTS, FMA, NSW State Emergency Service and the relevant NSW government planning and environment agencies, attracting practitioners from within and beyond New South Wales.
A National Voice
FMA has developed a significant national presence and has contributed to major flood risk, resilience, planning and emergency management initiatives across Australia.
This has included participation in national forums, advisory groups, flood planning seminars, technical workshops and consultative committees, supporting stronger connections between policy, practice and community outcomes.
Our History
Floodplain Management Australia has grown from a small collaborative group of flood mitigation authorities into a national professional network representing flood risk practitioners across Australia.
Four coastal flood mitigation authorities met at Maitland Town Hall to share ideas and technical solutions to flooding and explore opportunities for mutual assistance.
The organisation expanded its role to promote wise floodplain management, provide professional development and information sharing opportunities, and represent the interests of local government at state and federal levels.
Today, FMA is a national organisation with Members across every Australian state and territory, supporting a broad professional community working to reduce flood risk and improve floodplain management.
Join the FMA Network
Connect with Australia’s flood risk management community, access professional development and information sharing opportunities, and contribute to the future of flood risk management across the country.
Explore FMA Membership →