The Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning (DELWP) has launched a new web-based tool to help mitigate the impact of floods on Victorian communities.
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FloodZoom brings together flood forecasts, flood mapping, real time river height gauges and property data to provide coordinated information and improved knowledge about likely flood impacts.
DELWP Manager of Floodplain Management, Steve Muncaster, said.communities would benefit greatly from the new waning sytem.
“The forecasts will benefit communities by providing more accurate and timely warnings that will be specific to local areas, giving emergency services and authorities the best chance of mitigating the impact of floods,” Mr Muncaster, said.
“FloodZoom is a great example of how the Victorian Government is working with local communities and stakeholders to better prepare Victoria for flood emergencies.
“While we can’t stop flooding, we know that effective warnings can save lives and significantly reduce flood damage.
“Victorians in flood-prone communities will benefit from more accurate and timely flood warnings that are specific to their local area, improved flood preparedness and flood response activities, and better informed planning decisions.”
FloodZoom will coordinate information from a range of sources, including at risk properties from the Victorian flood database, forecast river heights from the Bureau of Meteorology, live road closures from VicRoads and evacuation route planning around facilities such as schools and hospitals.
While FloodZoom will be used by authorities and agencies, communities and individuals will be able to access better warnings as a result of the new system through Emergency Management Victoria and VICSES websites and emergency messaging systems.
FloodZoom will also play a valuable role in allowing potential flood impacts to be taken into account in making planning decisions.
FloodZoom is currently being used in conjunction with other operational tools while further refinement and testing is undertaken before its full utilisation.
DELWP has received a special achievement award from global intelligent mapping company, Esri, for the application of the company’s Geographic Information System (GIS) technology platform in the development of FloodZoom.
DEWLP joined a group of commercial entities and government agencies selected to receive the award, from a field of more than 100,000 organisations.
Esri’s Special Achievement in GIS Award recognises the very best in global spatial innovation.
