The role of the Australian Government in floodplain management is to:

• Encourage long-term strategies for sustainable management of floodplains.
• Provide flood forecasting services through the Bureau of Meteorology.
• Support State Emergency capabilities.
• Provide financial assistance for flood relief under the Natural Disaster Relief & Recovery Arrangements.

The Australian Government may provide financial support to the State Government for relief and recovery assistance following major flood events under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

The Australian Government Disaster Assist website provides individuals and families better access to information about recovery assistance following a disaster. Assistance from the Australian Government may be provided to aid the recovery of Australians most affected by an offshore or onshore disaster. In such cases, this website will have up to date public information messages, relevant free call numbers, information on Australian Government Assistance Packages and links to other relevant websites.

Bureau of Meteorology

The Bureau of Meteorology has responsibility for the monitoring of situations likely to lead to flooding and for the prediction of floods throughout the period of flooding. This involves meteorological input,collection of data from rainfall and streamflow data networks, the operation of flood prediction models and techniques and the preparation and issue of warnings to key agencies, selected media and other bodies.

In the case of flash flooding, local government has the prime responsibility for warning and the Bureau provides advisory support.

The Bureau is also involved in the establishment of new and improved flood warning systems in rural Victoria and can help develop various parts of the system.

The Victorian Flood Warning Centre can be accessed at the Bureau website.