Over 18,000 people have been forced out of their homes as flood waters sweep through large parts of the east coast, from southern Queensland to northern Victoria.

And even before the clean-up begins, questions are being asked about whether homes should be allowed to be built on floodplains.

Tony Weber, water catchment modeller and independent consultant to local and state governments on water issues, says flooding is always going to occur, so there needs to be serious thought given to how floodplains are managed as the population grows.

Guest: Tony Weber

Producer: Gillian Bennetts