Why You Should Attend
Be Inspired: Hear motivating talks from exceptional keynote speakers
Be Connected: Develop links with over 350 leaders, specialists and industry peers in floodplain risk management
Be Smarter: Learn new skills and strategies from concurrent sessions and hands-on pre-conference workshops
Be Innovative: Be exposed to emerging and state-of-the-art products on display throughout the trade exhibition
Be National: Take on a nation-wide perspective by learning from other States and Territories
Be Social: Make meaningful connections with like-minded industry professionals at networking functions
Key Dates
Abstracts Open: Late September 2025
Closing Date for Abstracts: Friday 5 December 2025
Registration Available: December 2025
Abstract Notifications: Friday 30 January 2026
Early & Author Registrations Deadline: Friday 6 March 2026
Full Paper or Extended Abstract Submission: Friday 3 April 2026
Who Should Attend
Commonwealth, State & Local Government Representatives
Research Organisations
Education Providers
Consultants
Engineers
Land-Use Planners
Architects
Emergency Responders
Community Volunteer Organisations
Equipment Providers
Students
The City of Gold Coast (City) is the local government authority responsible for managing the Gold Coast region in south-east Queensland. As the second largest local government in Australia, catering to a growing population, it plays a crucial role in providing essential services, maintaining transport and infrastructure as well as promoting community well-being.
The Conference
The Conference will be held at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) from 21 – 24 April 2026. The theme of the Conference is From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Flood Management.
The FMA Conference has been held annually for over 60 years and is the most respected flood risk management event held in Australia.
The Conference is for anyone interested in making our communities more flood safe. It will bring together over 400 flood professionals and community members with interests in flood risk management. Attendees will include Commonwealth, State and Local Government representatives, research organisations and education providers as well as consultants, engineers, land-use planners, emergency responders and community volunteer organisations.
The Conference will include outstanding Australian and International speakers, plenary and concurrent presentations, field trips addressing floodplain issues in the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, as well as great networking events. Optional Conference workshops on topical issues will be held on the Tuesday.
Save the date
21 – 24 April 2026
Fill in the expression of interest form to be kept up to date with information on 2026 Floodplain Management Australia National Conference
About Floodplain Management Australia
Floodplain Management Australia (FMA) is committed to promoting wise floodplain development and helping reduce the risks of flooding to life and property.
FMA, formerly the Floodplain Management Association and before that the Flood Mitigation Authorities of NSW, was established in 1961 when four coastal flood mitigation authorities met at the Maitland Town Hall to share ideas and technical solutions to flooding, and to explore avenues for mutual assistance.
Since that time the network has expanded nationally to include over 180 Members from all avenues of flood risk management (FRM) in Australia and abroad and is the key voice for FRM in the nation. FMA is committed to promoting wise floodplain development and helping reduce the risks of flooding to life and property.
FMA is a network of trusted flood professionals – engineers, land use planners, emergency responders, technicians and decision makers – dedicated to working with all states and territories to raise awareness and the priority of flooding. The association has links to flood related organisations in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
FMA promotes wise land use planning principles to guide appropriate development within floodplain areas. We support programs which manage flood risks and the impact of flooding and reduce private and public flood losses.
We represent Members’ interests at State, Territory and Commonwealth Government levels, promote public awareness of flood issues, support flood education programs and improve the knowledge and skills of floodplain management practitioners.
In 2009, in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (then known as the Department of Environment and Climate Change) and the University of Technology Sydney, we initiated Australia’s only industry-based flood risk management course tailored to the needs of technical and land use planning staff and elected Council representatives.
In 2020, FMA Young Floodplain Managers (YFM) networks were established in NSW, Queensland and Victoria to represent, engage and inspire young floodplain management professionals.
FMA has Members across Australia, plus New Zealand and the USA.
FMA Conference Testimonials
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Official Conference Hashtag: #FMAConf26
FMA Papers & Presentations