Floodplain Management Australia (FMA) has announced Toowoomba flood modelling engineer Bill Syme of BMT (TUFLOW) as the winner of the prestigious nation-wide FMA Allan Ezzy Flood Risk Manager of the Year Award.
The coveted award is presented to an individual who demonstrates best practice in flood risk management, community engagement and awareness, and an overall drive to make their community safer from flood.
FMA President Ian Dinham said the award provides an opportunity to publicly showcase and promote the incredible work Australia’s flood risk managers are undertaking.
“Bill Syme is a powerhouse of the flood risk management industry, and the work that he has completed and contributed to over the years is nothing short of exceptional”. said Mr. Dinham.
“One of the most profound achievements thus far is his development of the flood modelling software (TUFLOW), which began in 1989 and is now the most widely used in the country. This software made this type of modelling readily available and easily usable by Australian practitioners well ahead of other western countries.
“Further to Bill’s professional success is the overwhelming impact that he has had on his colleagues and peers. It is incredibly heartening to see his accomplishments so enthusiastically celebrated.
“The recent floods are estimated to have cost in excess of $3 billion in insured losses. Flood modelling enables us to better understand, plan for and reduce the risks associated with future floods.”
The winner of the FMA Allan Ezzy Flood Risk Manager of the Year Award were announced at the FMA National Conference last week.
About FMA brings together experts from across Australia and overseas to help build a more flood resilient nation. Members include over 170 councils, catchment management authorities, government agencies, businesses, and professionals involved in urban and rural flood risk management.
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