Australian agencies sign agreement to develop better flood map

CANBERRA, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- A five million Australian dollars (5.2 million U.S. dollars) agreement was signed Thursday between Geoscience Australia and Engineers Australia to complete a new revision of the Australian Rainfall and Runoff guide, which Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson says will pave the way for a better understanding of the flood risks faced by communities.

The agreement is part of a 12 million Australian dollar (12.48 million U.S. dollar) four-year program to increase the quality, consistency and accessibility of flood risk information initiated by the Australian government in response to the Natural Disaster Insurance Review.

The guide was last updated in 1987. Since then new approaches to catchment and flood modelling have been developed and a significant volume of new data about rainfall and runoff patterns has been collected.

"The new guide will enable engineers to develop more accurate and detailed flood studies, and will enable them to consider the potential impact of climate induced changes to rainfall and river flow patterns," Ferguson said.

The improved flood studies will enable emergency managers to plan and respond more effectively to floods, and will allow engineers and planners to make informed decisions about construction requirements and the location of homes and infrastructure. They will also enable better decisions on construction of major infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

"These decisions will lead to better protected communities and minimize unnecessary costs and restrictions on development," Mr Ferguson said. Enditem

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