A review of flooding that devastated parts of Tasmania last year has put a “much-needed” focus on mapping and mitigation, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says.

The independent review calls on the Government to complete a thorough assessment of current flood mapping and consider further work to improve understanding of areas at risk. It also suggests further examination of mitigation spending.

“Effective mitigation can only take place where the risk is understood,” ICA spokesman Campbell Fuller said.

“Flood mapping allows communities to identify which areas are exposed to flooding, how often and to what depth.

“It’s a crucial tool to help councils, households and businesses protect themselves.”

Levees in the Launceston North and Northern Midlands Council areas worked well during the floods, the review found, but further levee spending requires detailed cost-benefit studies.

The east-coast low caused insured losses in Tasmania of about $60 million, while the Government estimates total costs from damage to houses, farmland and infrastructure were more than $180 million.

“Investments in permanent, well-maintained mitigation, such as Launceston’s upgraded levee system, save governments substantial sums in the long term by removing the need to continually rebuild and repair flood damage,” Mr Fuller said.

The report says insurers need to ensure policies are well understood, especially on flood cover and what that includes.

“The industry recognises the need for clearer, more engaging policy disclosure and is actively examining how to do this,” Mr Fuller said.

The Tasmanian Government says it is considering the report’s 24 recommendations.