Lesson Overview

This section provides an understanding of the effect of flood on land management and how to minimise floodplain erosion.

• Findings of several property visits looking at flood issues
• An example of dealing with floodplain flows – floodplain flow paths and impacts of flow velocities
• An example of backwater flooding – slowly rising floodwaters

The Benefits of Floods

• Floods can often play a major role in the establishment and maintenance of fertile flood plains. This promotes nutrient movement and cyling within the profile.
• Floods are capable of replenishing ground water stocks as well as improving ground water quality.
• Depositing fertile silt to improve soil quality.
• Effectively restore wetlands and other habitats.

Living on Flood Plains

Even though there are quite a few benefits to living on a flood plain it doesnt come without its disadvantages. During flood events the following risks may occur.

• Lives may become endangered by fast flowing water.
• Your property may suffer infrastructure damage as a result of the flood.
• Weed incursion and errosion may become a regular issue if not managed.
• The levels of arable land may be reduced.
• Water quality may be affected as a result of floods.

When planning to manage flood plains and riverways its often important to take a holistic approach that encapsulates both the needs of the farm and the sarrounding waterways.  When planning its important to understand the local flood behaviour and to identify key risk areas when mitigating the damage caused by flood waters. 

Project Overview

The Natural Disaster Resilience Program  is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the 2017 – 18 Natural Disaster Resilience Program.

The project enabled a joint collaboration between the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Farmers’ Federation and its member groups, Growcom and Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation.

Ten primary producers were identified to participate in the project, selected from a range of tree crop producers, vegetable growers and dairy farmers.

Industry extension officers assisted producers to develop mitigation and resilience management plans for their individual properties; and consultants featured in this online course, provided technical advice to further develop flood mitigation strategies for the property and farm business.

The project outcomes being improved understanding of the impact of flood on farm properties, and prioritised risk mitigation strategies for farm businesses.

The online course is designed to deliver these learnings across industry sectors to assist primary producers better manage the business risks associated with flood, and provide practical management options to mitigate risk and better manage future responses to natural disasters.

Key Resources

• Learn about the Mulgowie Riverbank Restoration Program.
• Effectively assess the ecological risk of certain practices.
• Learn the fundamentals of erosion and sediment control.
• Explore more water technology projects.