Flood Risk Management Plan – Heide Museum of Modern Art

Yaluk Langa, meaning “River’s Edge” in Woiwurrung language, is a collaborative Indigenous garden and outdoor gathering place on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River). Developed with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Traditional Custodians, Heide staff, Tract and landscape architect Katherine Rekaris through Urban Initiatives, the space supports cultural events, education and ongoing care for Country.

Its location within the active floodplain creates an important connection with the river but also presents significant safety and operational risks. Rain worked with Heide to develop a Flood Emergency Response Plan that translated complex flood information into clear actions for preparing, closing, evacuating, recovering and safely reopening the site.

Above & Beyond Strategies

Rain delivered the project entirely in-kind through its community giving program, recognising Yaluk Langa’s cultural, environmental and educational importance.

Rather than seeking to remove flood risk from the landscape, the approach respected the relationship between the gathering place, the river and Country. The plan established how the site could continue to be used while allowing natural flood behaviour to guide when activities should be restricted or suspended.

By linking upstream river gauges and official flood warnings with practical actions at the site, Heide staff were provided with clear triggers and additional warning time. The plan also considered the full emergency cycle, from preparation and closure through to inspection, recovery and reopening.

Rain:

• Worked closely with Heide staff to understand how the space would be used for cultural events, public programs and land-care activities.
• Translated technical flood information into clear triggers and practical actions for staff and volunteers.
• Connected upstream river-gauge conditions with likely impacts and warning times at Yaluk Langa.
• Defined responsibilities for the Chief Warden, Flood Wardens, staff, contractors and visitors.
• Established procedures for monitoring warnings, closing the site, communicating with users and coordinating evacuation.
• Developed practical signage and communication templates.
• Outlined post-flood inspection, maintenance, recovery and reopening requirements.
• Embedded annual reviews, staff induction and emergency exercises into the plan.

Rain delivered a clear and actionable framework that supports Heide to protect visitors, staff and the site during flood events.

The plan provides:

• Defined flood-warning levels and response triggers;
• Clear responsibilities and lines of authority;
• Practical procedures for site closure and evacuation;
• Reliable sources of flood forecasts and warnings;
• Communication tools for staff, volunteers and visitors;
• Post-flood inspection and reopening guidance; and
• A framework for ongoing review, training and organisational learning.

This gives Heide greater confidence to operate the gathering place while recognising the dynamic nature of the floodplain.

The project helps ensure Yaluk Langa can continue to be used as a safe, resilient and culturally significant gathering place beside the Birrarung.

Rain’s work reflects a values-led approach to flood risk management, combining technical expertise, community contribution and respect for Country to support a place of cultural, ecological and educational importance.