Australia faces many natural hazards like bushfires, floods, storms and cyclones. Climate change is making these events more frequent and intense. Because housing is heavily impacted during disasters, it’s crucial that housing policy works closely with disaster risk reduction and response.
This research looks at how housing policy and planning can better prepare for natural disasters, and enable recovery from them. It examines institutional arrangements, planning coordination and disaster management responses.
Key findings
- All levels of government have housing and disaster management responsibilities
- Temporary housing supports households to return to normal
- Renters are more vulnerable to disaster impacts
- Data is needed for risk management
- Proper planning is crucial for reducing disaster risks
- Managed retreat can reduce risk
- Building to higher standards to cope with disasters can lead to higher costs, and lower take up
