Development of an adaptive statistical model for oceanic flooding hazards along the East Australian coast (2010-2013)

Coastal infrastructure and housing around Australia have enormous economic and social value. Both are subject to flooding induced by cyclones and large storms, which can be catastrophic as demonstrated by Hurricane Katrina. Present planning fails because the risk from the ensemble of hazards of rainfall, storm surge, and wave run-up is not correctly estimated. A new adaptive statistical model will be developed which accounts for the present and future climate and regional variability. New data will be obtained from field experiments and meteorological records to verify the model. The model will be developed in collaboration with the NSW Dept of Climate Change and DHI Australia to enable rapid government and industry uptake of the results.