The recent record-breaking rainfall and devastating flooding across Queensland have once again exposed the increasing threat of extreme weather to communities, infrastructure, and essential services.
With the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicting above-average rainfall across northern Australia and the eastern coast, the risk of future flooding events is heightened. As climate events grow more frequent and unpredictable, councils, utilities, and asset owners must adopt proactive, high-performance flood protection solutions.
The Geodesign Flood Barrier - a cutting-edge flood mitigation system, distributed in partnership with Hydro Response and made available by Pipe Management Australia—delivers proven, rapid-deployment flood defence, minimising damage and disruption.
Why Councils and Utilities Are Choosing the Geodesign Flood Barrier
The Geodesign Flood Barrier offers unmatched durability, flexibility, and ease of deployment, making it the ideal choice for flood-prone areas across Australia.
Engineered for Extreme Conditions
Tested rigorously by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this system’s ability to withstand high water pressure, waves, and heavy debris impact ensures peace of mind for councils tasked with safeguarding essential infrastructure during unpredictable weather events.
Rapid Deployment – No Heavy Machinery Needed
Unlike levies or traditional flood walls, the Geodesign Flood Barrier requires no heavy equipment for installation. A small team with a forklift can deploy 100 meters of barrier in under two hours, making it the ideal solution for emergency response.
Compact Storage & Fast Mobilisation
Space-saving, stackable storage in weatherproof metal crates means 40 meters of flood barrier can be transported quickly, ensuring councils and utilities can respond efficiently to flood threats.
Customisable for Any Environment
Designed to fit specific site conditions, including uneven ground, it connects with other Geodesign models to extend height, create 90-degree turns, or form containment pools, providing tailored flood protection.
Proven Success in Australia
Already deployed across multiple locations in Australia, the Geodesign Flood Barrier has protected essential infrastructure, from town centres to water treatment facilities.
Available through the National Emergency Management Stockpile Panel
The Geodesign Flood Barrier is now available to Federal, State, and Local Government departments, councils, and government-owned utilities through the National Emergency Management Stockpile (NEMS) Panel. The NEMS Panel is Australia’s national framework for purchasing and deploying critical emergency supplies before and during disasters.
What is the NEMS Panel?
The NEMS Panel is a federal initiative coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). It provides governments at all levels with the ability to purchase essential disaster response assets and services. This includes flood barriers, generators, dewatering pumps, emergency shelter camps, other high-priority tools, skilled personnel, various engineering services, warehousing and transport.
The NEMS Panel supports emergency preparedness by:
- streamlining procurement
- having pre-negotiated contractual terms
- ensuring a high standard in the quality and performance of services and equipment used during disaster response.
What this means for Councils and Government-Owned Utilities
The Geodesign Flood Barrier is now on the NEMS Panel. This means it’s recognised as a quality, deployable asset for emergency flood response across Australia. State governments, councils and government–owned utilities can access this solution through NEMS, benefiting from:
- Rapid deployment during flood emergencies;
- Streamlined acquisition processes;
- National consistency in the use of proven, tested technology
Plan Ahead: lead times and strategic procurement
It’s important to understand that the NEMS Panel serves as a strategic procurement mechanism. Australia does not hold commercial stocks of high-value and complex items such as Geodesign Flood Barrier. Most barriers are manufactured to order, and lead times can be up to 24 weeks.
To avoid delays during high-risk periods, Geodesign Flood Barriers advises to purchase in the lower-risk weather season. This allows time for delivery and readiness before storms or flooding occur.
Preparedness starts before the forecast. Ordering ahead ensures you're ready when the next event strikes.
How to order through the NEMS Panel
Government entities can access the Geodesign Flood Barrier through an outright purchase arrangement under the NEMS Panel. This is the most effective way for councils and utilities to secure flood mitigation equipment ahead of high-risk weather seasons.
By purchasing outright, your organisation can:
- Take ownership of the equipment
- Have full control over deployment timing and logistics
- Integrate the barriers directly into your existing emergency response plans and assets
You can order the Geo-Design Flood Barrier to meet the bespoke needs of your site.
Steps to take
- Contact NEMA to arrange access to the NEMS Panel.
- Plan procurement during low-risk seasons to allow for manufacturing lead times.
- Speak to Pipe Management Australia to discuss options, lead times, and potential Guaranteed Holding arrangements.
Additional Flood Barrier Benefits for Asset Owners
✅ Minimal Maintenance – Constructed from high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel, ensuring long-term durability.
✅ Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – Unlike sandbags or emergency excavation works, this reusable system has a long life span deployable across multiple flood events, aligning with sustainability goals for modern councils and utilities.
✅ Cost-Effective – Faster deployment reduces labour costs, while its reusability minimises ongoing flood protection expenses.
Flood Barriers on Display at the Floodplain Management Conference
PMA and Hydro Response will be displaying the Geodesign Flood Barrier at the upcoming Floodplain Management Conference in Melbourne from May 13 – 16. Meet our team and learn more about how we can help you protect your crucial infrastructure during the next flood event. Contact us to secure a meet and greet during the conference to find out more.
Be Prepared for the Next Flood Event
With extreme weather events on the rise, councils and utilities must act now to protect infrastructure and communities. The Geodesign Flood Barrier delivers unmatched flood protection with rapid deployment, superior durability, and cost efficiency.
Learn more about how this innovative solution can safeguard your assets.
