Relocation for Flood Retention in Austria

Abstract

Flood risk management in Europe has considerably changed over the past decades. Structural defence systems are no longer prioritised but integral solutions combining different measures are favoured instead (EC, 2007). Relocation of households located in hazard prone zones is one possible measure to substantially reduce hazard risk. Besides the global discussion on resettlement and relocation in context with climate change (López-Carr and Marter- Kenyon, 2015, Sherbinin et al., 2011) and disaster risk reduction (Claudianos, 2014; Correa et al., 2011; Hino et al., 2017) several relocation projects within state-lead hazard protection projects were carried out lately in Austria. Already in the 1970s, people living in certain flood plains along the Danube River were relocated and this measure regains importance. The paper aims to clarify the regulatory framework enabling the execution of relocation projects and to portray the role of spatial planning in securing flood retention and run-off areas based on case studies. Findings clearly document the organisation of the process and the coordination of stakeholders as crucial elements for effective relocation. In addition, compensation payments and a sufficient legal framework matter as well, while the idea of establishing retention areas has not been prioritised by decision makers yet.