Council secures funding for flood mitigation plan
Published on 18 November 2025
The City of Launceston has been successful in securing a $540,000 grant from the Australian Government for the development of a dedicated flood mitigation strategy for the city.
The National Emergency Management Agency yesterday released details of the successful applicants for Round Three of the Australian Government's Disaster Ready Fund, with the City of Launceston securing $540,000 in funding.
While the City of Launceston has led the development a wide range of flood infrastructure, flood modelling and technical data in recent years, the Council is eager to expand on this work through a risk mitigation framework, following a Notice of Motion from Councillor Alex Britton last year.
The City of Launceston will fund the remainder of the $1.5m project, which is expected to take three years to complete. City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the Council recognised the existential risks associated with major flooding in Launceston.
"Launceston has experienced more than 40 major floods since record keeping began," Mayor Garwood said.
"The City of Launceston has been a leader in floodplain management and flood risk modelling, and currently manages a system comprising more than 12km of earth and concrete flood levees, 19 floodgates, and a series of river level gauges in Northern river catchments.
"This project will draw on our existing data sets and new analysis to address current and future vulnerabilities associated with flooding through the development of a dedicated Launceston Flood Mitigation Plan.
"The plan will include research, flood modelling, economic analysis and historic data to provide an assessment of flood mitigation options and their costs and benefits.
"The plan will consider infrastructure projects, natural solutions and policy measures to help us mitigate flood risks to our city."
Following a national talent acquisition process, the City of Launceston last month completed recruitment for the new position of Flood Mitigation Advisor. This role will oversee the development of the Launceston Flood Mitigation Plan.
Residents in low-lying areas of the Launceston municipality are also encouraged to consider their own flood preparedness measures at home.
You can 'Know Your Risk, Make a Plan' at https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/Emergency-Management-Hub