Council endorses development of flood mitigation strategy

Published on 31 October 2024

The City of Launceston has endorsed scoping works for a new Flood Mitigation Strategy, and will fund its development through its 2025/26 Annual Budget.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the Council had identified riverine flooding as a significant and persistent risk.

"While the City of Launceston has put in place a range of flood mitigation measures over recent decades, including a redevelopment of the city's flood levee defence system, it's clear there is a need for a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy," Mayor Garwood said.

"The impacts of a flood which overtops our levee system would be dire, isolating communities, disrupting services, and impacting social cohesion.

"It's important we have ongoing updates to our flood models and adaptive planning to ensure Launceston's resilience against future flood events, taking into account the newest and best information and considering factors like climate change.

"A proactive and adaptive approach will be essential for protecting the community, economy, and infrastructure."