Australia experiences many types of climate-related or climate-induced disasters. Some arise rapidly, such as storms, cyclones, floods and bushfires; others, such as drought, occur over extended time periods. All disasters affect people and communities, economically and socially, and can damage or destroy infrastructure and buildings, and change the natural environment. Disasters thus affect businesses, services, social activities and networks, and cultural and environmental heritage. Because more resilient communities are able to respond effectively to disasters, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to disaster resilience and how these can be promoted or enhanced.

This Flooding in Australia fact sheet summarises the NCCARF final report Recovery from Disaster: Resilience, Adaptability and Perceptions of Climate Change. The project focused on four disaster-impacted communities: Beechworth (bushfire) and Bendigo (drought) in Victoria and Ingham (flood) and Innisfail (cyclone) in Queensland. The research involved collecting demographic data, interviews, surveys and analysing data through models.

View the final report 

This photo is copyright © 2013 Ann Penny