Adapting a holistic approach to flood management in the Hawkesbury–Nepean region: complexities and perceptions of the agencies involved

Abstract

This paper looks into the complexity of managing flood risks in the Hawkesbury–Nepean catchment, Australia. Several aspects are explored: (1) the complexities created by the way different agencies are involved in assessing flood risks; (2) different perceptions on acceptable flood risk level; (3) community engagement in defining acceptable flood risk level; (4) views on a holistic flood risk management plan; and (5) challenges of a centralised information system. This study concludes that the complexity of managing a large catchment is exacerbated by the difference in the way professionals perceive the problem. This has led to (1) different standards for acceptable risks; (2) inconsistent attempt to set up a regional-scale flood management plan beyond the jurisdictional boundaries; (3) absence of a regional-scale agency with licence to share and update information; and (d) lack of forums for dialogue with insurance companies to ensure an integrated approach to flood management.

Keywords:

• Hawkesbury–Nepean: catchment-scale management
• flood governance
• flood planning levels
• flood risk management
• flood management perceptions

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the participants of the study for agreeing to express their views on the critical issues discussed and provide insights into the problems in managing flood risks in Hawkesbury–Nepean catchment. The authors would also like to thank these participants for their support and guidance in identifying and contacting relevant persons for further discussions.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.