Our Services

Specialist Flood, Stormwater & Hydraulic Engineering Solutions

Stephens Consulting Engineers provides practical, technically robust engineering advice and modelling services for developments, infrastructure projects, councils, government agencies and private clients across Australia.

From flood impact assessments and stormwater management planning through to advanced hydraulic modelling and expert engineering advice, we deliver solutions that support approvals, reduce risk and achieve successful project outcomes.

Our Engineering Services

We offer a comprehensive range of flood, stormwater and hydraulic engineering services tailored to support every stage of your project.

01 Overland Flow Assessments

Overland flow is one of the most frequently overlooked flood risks affecting development sites. While many properties are located outside mapped riverine floodplains, they may still be impacted by significant stormwater runoff during intense rainfall events. Understanding how water moves across a site is critical to ensuring safe, compliant and resilient development outcomes.

Stephens Consulting Engineers undertakes detailed overland flow assessments using advanced hydraulic modelling, high resolution terrain data and site specific investigations to identify stormwater flow paths, flood depths, velocities and potential hazards. Our assessments provide clear guidance on development constraints, building siting, finished floor levels and mitigation measures required to reduce flood risk.

We work closely with developers, planners, architects and approval authorities to ensure proposed developments appropriately respond to local flood behaviour while satisfying planning scheme requirements. Whether assessing a single residential lot, a commercial development or a large scale subdivision, our practical and technically robust approach helps clients understand risk early and make informed development decisions.

02 Hydraulic Impact Assessments (HIA)

Hydraulic Impact Assessments are often a critical requirement for developments located within or adjacent to flood affected land. These assessments demonstrate how a proposed development interacts with flood behaviour and whether any adverse impacts occur to neighbouring properties, infrastructure or the broader floodplain.

Our team undertakes detailed two dimensional hydraulic modelling to assess changes in flood levels, flow paths, flood storage, velocities and hazard resulting from proposed development works. We carefully evaluate potential afflux impacts and identify practical design solutions where mitigation is required.

Stephens Consulting Engineers has extensive experience preparing Hydraulic Impact Assessments for residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects across Queensland and Australia. Our reports are prepared in accordance with local authority requirements and recognised engineering standards, providing approval authorities with confidence that proposed developments have been rigorously assessed and appropriately designed.

03 Stormwater Management Plans (SMP)

Effective stormwater management is fundamental to the success of any development. Poorly managed stormwater can increase flood risk, impact downstream properties, reduce infrastructure performance and create long term maintenance challenges.

Our Stormwater Management Plans provide an integrated framework for managing stormwater quantity, quality and conveyance across a development site. We assess existing catchment conditions, drainage constraints and regulatory requirements before developing practical engineering solutions that balance performance, constructability and cost effectiveness.

Using industry recognised modelling tools and engineering best practice, we develop strategies for detention, conveyance, treatment and discharge that support sustainable development outcomes. Our plans are tailored to the specific characteristics of each project and provide a clear pathway for achieving planning approval and regulatory compliance.

04 Flood Emergency Management Plans (FEMP)

Flood events can pose significant risks to people, property, critical infrastructure and business operations. A well prepared Flood Emergency Management Plan provides organisations with the information and procedures necessary to respond effectively before, during and after a flood event.

Stephens Consulting Engineers prepares Flood Emergency Management Plans for a range of development types including residential communities, commercial facilities, industrial sites, educational campuses and critical infrastructure. Our plans are informed by detailed flood modelling and site specific risk assessments to ensure emergency procedures reflect actual flood behaviour.

We evaluate flood hazards, evacuation requirements, access constraints, warning triggers and operational risks to develop practical response frameworks that improve preparedness and resilience. The result is a clear and actionable management plan that supports both regulatory requirements and the protection of people and assets.

05 Stormwater Quality Assessments & MUSIC Modelling

Protecting downstream waterways is an increasingly important component of modern development. Councils and regulatory authorities require developments to demonstrate that stormwater quality objectives can be achieved while maintaining practical and cost effective infrastructure solutions.

Our stormwater quality assessments utilise industry standard modelling tools, including MUSIC, to evaluate pollutant generation and treatment performance across a range of development scenarios. We assess treatment trains, bio retention systems, detention basins, wetlands and proprietary treatment devices to identify solutions that achieve compliance while remaining practical to construct and maintain.

Stephens Consulting Engineers works with developers, councils and design teams to develop stormwater quality strategies that protect environmental values, support sustainable development and facilitate efficient approval outcomes.

06 Flood Constraints & Due Diligence Assessments

Understanding flood constraints before purchasing land or commencing detailed design can save considerable time, cost and uncertainty. Our Flood Constraints and Due Diligence Assessments provide a clear understanding of potential flood related risks and development limitations affecting a site.

We review available flood studies, planning overlays, hydraulic models, topographic data and site conditions to identify risks that may influence development feasibility, design requirements or approval pathways. Where necessary, additional flood modelling and engineering assessment is undertaken to provide a more detailed understanding of site specific constraints.

These assessments are commonly used by developers, investors, landowners and project teams seeking early certainty before committing to major expenditure. By identifying risks at the outset, we help clients make informed decisions and avoid unexpected approval or design challenges later in the project lifecycle.

07 Development Application Support

Navigating the development approval process can be complex, particularly where flood, drainage or stormwater issues are involved. Our Development Application Support services provide specialist engineering expertise throughout the planning and approval process.

We prepare technical reports, flood assessments, hydraulic impact assessments, stormwater management plans and supporting engineering documentation required by local authorities and referral agencies. We also work collaboratively with planners, architects, surveyors and project managers to ensure technical issues are addressed efficiently and consistently across the project team.

With extensive experience responding to council information requests and approval conditions, Stephens Consulting Engineers helps streamline the assessment process and improve the likelihood of successful development outcomes.

08 Local Government Infrastructure & Flood Studies

Local governments face increasing challenges associated with flood risk management, ageing infrastructure and community resilience. Stephens Consulting Engineers provides specialist flood and stormwater consulting services to councils and government agencies seeking technically robust and practical engineering advice.

Our experience includes flood studies, floodplain management investigations, catchment assessments, drainage network reviews, infrastructure planning and strategic flood risk advice. We utilise advanced hydraulic modelling and industry best practice methodologies to deliver reliable information that supports evidence based decision making.

Whether assisting with strategic planning initiatives, infrastructure upgrades or flood risk assessments, our focus is on providing clear technical guidance that supports resilient and sustainable communities.

09 Dam Break & Flood Risk Assessments

Dam failure events, while uncommon, can result in significant consequences for downstream communities, infrastructure and environmental assets. Understanding these risks is essential for effective emergency planning, asset management and regulatory compliance.

Stephens Consulting Engineers undertakes dam break and flood risk assessments using advanced hydraulic modelling techniques to simulate breach scenarios and evaluate downstream impacts. Our assessments consider flood extent, depth, velocity, hazard and warning times to provide a comprehensive understanding of potential consequences.

The resulting information supports emergency action planning, risk management frameworks, infrastructure design and regulatory reporting. Our objective is to provide dam owners, operators and government agencies with reliable technical information that supports informed decision making and community safety.

10 Drainage Design & Hydraulic Modelling

Efficient drainage infrastructure is critical to the performance, safety and longevity of any development. Stephens Consulting Engineers provides comprehensive drainage design and hydraulic modelling services for residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects of varying scale and complexity.

Our designs are informed by detailed hydraulic analysis and tailored to site specific conditions, ensuring drainage systems perform effectively during both minor and major storm events. We assess overland flow paths, pipe networks, inlet capacities, detention systems and downstream discharge constraints to develop practical and cost effective solutions.

From concept design through to detailed documentation, we work closely with project teams to deliver drainage infrastructure that satisfies authority requirements, manages flood risk and supports successful project delivery.

Learn more about Stephens Consulting Engineers’ experience, technical expertise, project capabilities and engineering services.

The Capability Statement provides an overview of our flood risk, stormwater and hydraulic engineering services, software capabilities, project experience and qualifications.

Why Work With SCE?

Let's Discuss Your Next Project

Whether you’re preparing a development application, assessing flood risk, or require specialist hydraulic modelling, Stephens Consulting Engineers can provide practical advice and technical expertise to help move your project forward.