What is your name?

What is your age?

Where are you located? (with post code)

What is your educational background?

My name is Cheryl

I am 20 years old

I live in Burpengary East 4505

I am doing my third year in Bachelors of computer science

My name is Shafaq Laraib

I am 22 years old

I live in Helensvale, Gold Coast QLD Australia 4212

I am a second year student studying Bachelor Of Nursing

Gold coast is prone to riverine flooding during heavy rainfall due to several rivers such as Coomera and Nerang river.

As Gold coast is a coastal city, it is also prone to coastal flooding , particularly during high tides and heavy persistent rainfall.

In hilly terrains such as the Hinterland area, heavy rainfall can also contribute to landslides.

Flooding can have a detrimental impact on road closures and transportation - heavily impacting emergency services.

It also poses a massive health and safety risk due to carrying contaminants leading to water borne diseases.

It also results in accidents such as drowning and other fatalities.

In areas with undersized draining systems, heavy rainfall can overwhelm the system thus leasing to flooding specially in urban areas.

Property damages - Floods can cause damages to a lot of property especially ones surrounded or which are close to large bodies of water that can easily build up and get flooded.

Blocked drains - inadequate maintenance, debris blockage, old drains that have not been redesigned for heavy rains and floods.

Heavy rains and floods can ruin our ecosystem. Especially since Australia is surrounded with trees, agriculture etc.

Electricity and network lines- These often get damaged by floods or heavy rainfall causing power outages and blackouts etc.

Sudden and intense rainfall can be of of the risks that leads to flash floods, which can occur very quickly and with little warning. These floods are hazardous in specifically in hilly or mountainous areas, where water rapidly flows downhill, destroying property and risking lives.

Lack of awareness - People may underestimate the severity or likelihood of floods.

In areas where flooding is infrequent, people may not have the adequate knowledge on preparation and can lead to a complacent attitude. It may also not be a priority for them

One major factor would be that many people may not fully understand the risks of flooding in their area or in general or believe it won’t happen to them. This can be due to the lack of experience with flooding or underestimating the potential severity of flooding.

Relating to the first point I think even when flood warnings are issued, some people may not understand the severity or timing of the threat incoming.

Another major factor would be poor infrastructure and financial constraints. In some communities and areas, outdated or poor infrastructure for example drainage systems etc, increases the risk of floods. If people/ communities do not invest in upgrading these systems, it may leave the people feeling helpless.

To add onto this point preparing for floods often requires an investment/money in protective measures such as sandbags, flood barriers, insurance etc. People with limited financial resources may not be able to afford these preventative steps and again would find themselves helpless.

Improve public awareness and education - Utilising social media, radio, and in person workshops or campaigns to educate them on flood risks and prevention measures

Being more timely with warning systems such as sending text messages, on radio and TV to send clear instructions and procedures for safe evacuation

Reducing cost of flood insurance to people living in higher risk areas.

Investing in better urban planning to improve drainage systems that handle heavy rainfall.

Making flood risk maps for communities to access to enhance their knowledge on which areas are most vulnerable.

Governments and local organizations can run educational campaigns to raise awareness about flood risks in specific areas.

Clear communication using social media, TV, radio, and in-person events can help people understand the risks and how to prepare.

Developing interactive, easy-to-use online maps showing flood-prone areas can help residents visualize their risk.

Including flood preparedness education in school curricula can help children learn how to respond to floods and spread this knowledge within their families.

Improve early warning systems to provide highly localized, real-time flood warnings via SMS, mobile apps, and local TV or radio.

The Gold Coast City Council can run targeted awareness campaigns about the specific flood risks in specific regions. These campaigns should provide clear steps on preparing homes and businesses, building emergency kits, and knowing important things like the local evacuation routes. Information should be accessible in multiple languages to cater to the city's diverse population and additionally, workshops, seminars, and online resources about flood risks, especially for coastal suburbs, should be held often.

As I mentioned in the above point with rapid urban development in the Gold Coast, improving our drainage systems should be a priority to prevent flash flooding, especially in areas like Southport, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach. Regular maintenance and upgrading of these systems are essential to handle more intense rainfall events. Expanding green spaces that absorb rainwater, like rain gardens and wetlands, will help manage floodwaters naturally and these areas can also double as community parks, being a plus in contributing to the city’s environmental sustainability.

The Gold Coast already benefits from modern technology and communication networks. However, further investment in real-time flood forecasting and early warning systems can provide even earlier and more accurate flood warnings. Alerts should be accessible via mobile apps, SMS, social media, and local radio stations to ensure that all residents are informed.

Clear communication - finding better and effective ways to send out real time alerts.

Raising awareness - implementing educational campaigns in schools and for families so they have a better understanding on what do incase of a flood.

The Gold Coast City Council running targeted awareness campaigns about the specific flood risks in specific regions and providing clear steps on preparing homes and businesses. Information being accessible in multiple languages to cater to the city's diverse population.

Improving our drainage systems, regular maintenance and upgrading of these systems are essential to handle more intense rainfall events and expanding green spaces that absorb rainwater.

Financial incentives and assistance - Government reducing the cost of flood insurance, specially for those residents having houses near the river side or the coastline who are more prone to flooding. Offering financial aid for these homeowner will lead to more initiative in helping build better draining systems and flood barriers in their house.

Providing timely and early warning through SMS's that include information for residents to better prepare themselves beforehand rather than during. This can include at risk areas, evacuation procedures, safe spaces and information for those who are differently abled.

Clear communication - using social media, weather apps, tv, radio etc to send out real time alerts and give constant updates of the weather changes throughout and before the floods.

Raising awareness - Implementing flood drills and having sessions in school where you can raise awareness and provide effective measures you can take when there is a flood. Raising awareness also by running campaigns and promoting them on social media etc, can also help bring these solutions to reality.

Upgrade infrastructure - Identify those areas in the city that are more prone to flooding and work with the local government to allocate funds to help improve the infrastructure of the houses in these areas. This can include priority projects such as draining systems and physical flood barriers in their house. This can start in two neighborhoods in the most at risk areas and move to other areas after assessing its effectiveness.

Improve early warning systems : Assessing the current existing communication tools such as SMS and identifying gaps and areas of improvement can help enhance the warning systems. This can include partnering with weather forecast companies to send messages much earlier to give residents enough time to prepare. Also including best evacuation protocols, the duration of the weather, and allocated safe spaces for residents to go to during this period.

For my first point, the first step could be to assess the existing infrastructure and identify the most vulnerable areas. This involves, evaluating current drainage systems, and checking high-risk flood zones. Based on the risk assessment, the Gold Coast City Council, in collaboration with city planners, engineers, and environmental experts, should develop a long-term infrastructure upgrade plan. The Council can seek funding from the government as well, and lastly gathering feedback from the public.

The Gold Coast City Council can collaborate with local media outlets, social media platforms, and community centres to start a public awareness campaign and create accessible and easy to understand materials. Information again should be available in multiple languages to cater to the Gold Coast’s diverse population. Holding workshops in flood-prone neighbourhoods, schools, and community centres as well as where residents can learn about flood preparedness in person would be helpful.