ABSTRACT
This chapter draws on the results of an international research project which examined urban flood hazard management in jurisdictions with contrasting policy styles. Policies or guidelines for the management of flood-prone land, whether based on concrete, land-use or institutional change, are often developed by higher level governments to satisfy national goals and to counter local recalcitrance. A cooperative approach is inherently flexible, and recognises that the achievement of the goal of flood hazard management involves tradeoffs with other legitimate goals such as economic development, and must have the cooperation of local government. Central government strategies are also being put in place to manage flood hazards in many jurisdictions. The psychological need is to keep the ultimate goal of flood hazard management in sight; rather than simply being locked into enforcement of detailed regulations. Capable organisations are forward thinking, learning, adaptive, networked with other organisations, politically astute, and able to solve problems.
