Flooding is Australia's most expensive natural hazard and damages are likely to increase in the future due to population and climate changes.  Record damages in 2010-11 and in the years since reveal Australia's vulnerability to floods, making this is a key area for improving adaptive capacity.

Drawing on four case studies from the USA, the Netherlands, China and Australia, different approaches to flooding are analysed to identify problems with methods currently in use as well as adaptive approaches for potential transfer to Australia.

Analysis reveals that flood management in many countries is evolving and attempts are being made to reduce reliance on traditional forms of flood control such as dykes and levees.  While long term reliance on structural mitigation means that this approach cannot be abandoned, new methods are being incorporated to help buffer future changes.