Author(s): James E. Ball; Monique Retallick; Mark Babister; Stephen Finlay
Linked Author(s): Monique Retallick, Mark Babister, James Ball
Keywords: Flood; ARR; Design; Guidelines
Abstract: Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR) is the national guideline for flood estimation. Last updated in 1987 the guideline is currently undergoing a major update. Incorporation of additional data and updating of methods is being undertaken as part of the update. The whole design philosophy behind design flood estimation in Australia has been reassessed. A total of 21 research projects were initially identified to fill knowledge gaps and inform the updated document. Also being updated are the Intensity Frequency Duration values for the whole country. An additional project has been included to the testing of the new methods on catchments. The update has received over $9 Million funding from government agencies over 3 stages. Stage 1 and 2 funding was provided by the Federal Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. The final stage of funding (Stage 3) is being provided by Geoscience Australia. Funding for the Intensity Frequency Duration update has been provided by the Bureau of Meteorology. This funding has been matched by in kind efforts by Engineers Australia and its members including consulting companies and academics. The managing of this type of project is a mammoth effort. The bringing together of leading consultants, academics, climate scientists and flood experts to deliver project outcomes that are relevant in Australian practice has required innovative management techniques. As part of the study a detailed communication plan has been developed to communicate the outcomes of the research projects to industry as well as the rolling out of the new document. Innovative methods for publishing the document are currently being considered.
Year: 2013