Conference Councillor Session Provides Valuable Insight

FMA President Ian Dinham has said that the Councillor Breakfast Forum at the recent FMA National Conference has provided valuable insights into the concerns and challenges facing elected Local Government representatives when dealing with flood risk management issues.

Issues raised included support for rural and regional councils, the cumulative impacts of development, the need to discuss options to relocate, retrofit, or repair before not after a flood event, how Councillors can get involved in development of floodplain policies and strategies, and how to encourage greater attendance by Councillors at the Conference.

Mr Dinham said that Councillors are the leaders in the flood risk management process, nothing happens without Councillors voting for the policies, strategies and funding for these essential activities to succeed. “That’s why it’s important that Councillors be involved in this Conference every year, and the Councillors Forum provides the opportunity to discuss these issues of importance to Local Government decision makers.

“The FMA Conference is not only for technical experts, and I encourage all Councillors involved in floodplain management decision-making to participate in the 2023 Conference in Sydney, and provide us with presentations on their experiences and case studies.”