Mark Babister of the National Committee on Water Engineering (part of Engineers Australia), has called for a national approach to flood mapping in the wake of the enormous damage to property caused by this years floods across three Australian states.

 

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Institute of Actuaries of Australia, Mr Babister  said that getting politicians behind flood mapping was extremely difficult.

 

"The insurance industry wants it, home purchasers want it but people selling homes don't want it at all,” he said.

 

Pressure from homeowners and the real estate industry meant politicians had shied away form the issue, he said, adding "Flood mapping will come with a lot of political angst."

 

The seminar, held in Sydney, focused on the Queensland floods in January. Those attending, including engineers and flood experts, discussed disaster risks, mitigation and solutions in the wake of a high number of natural disasters this year.