Community experiences of the 2022 Australian floods
This research is, and has, gained important insights into how people experienced flooding in Queensland, NSW, Tasmania, Victoria and SA during 2022/23.
Throughout 2022 and into the summer of 2022/23, extensive flooding affected large parts of Australia. To gain important insights from the floods to assist preparedness, communications, response and recovery, research was initially undertaken in Queensland and New South Wales during 2022, then extended into Tasmania after flooding in that state in spring 2022. Further research is now underway in South Australia, Victoria and south-western New South Wales following spring 2022 and summer 2022/23 flooding in the three states; floods that involved sudden-onset flooding (Victoria) and longer lead time riverine flooding (Victoria and South Australia).
The purpose of this research is to hear and learn from the personal stories of people who were impacted or threatened by these floods.
In Queensland and New South Wales, the research was completed in May 2023. Explore the key findings and access reports and videos detailing the findings via the Queensland and New South Wales section below. This research was supported by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and NSW State Emergency Service.
In Tasmania, research interviews with flooded residents took place from May to November 2023. Learn more via the Tasmania section below. This research is supported by the Tasmania State Emergency Service.
In Victoria and South Australia, research is soon to commence. Learn more in the Victoria and South Australia section below. This research is supported by the Victoria State Emergency Service and the South Australia State Emergency Service.
Flooding began in spring 2022 in Victoria and south-western New South Wales and continued into summer 2022/23 in South Australia; floods that involved sudden-onset flooding (Victoria) and longer lead time riverine flooding (Victoria and South Australia).
Research has commenced. Learn more by clicking the yellow button above.
Through a survey and in-depth interviews, the impacts of flooding and how they were prepared for will be explore in six different locations. The research will focus on:
- How people responded in areas impacted with moderate and longer lead times for floodwater arriving
- the experiences of First Nations peoples
- the experiences of those who are culturally and linguistically diverse.
Parts of northern Tasmania experienced destructive flooding in October 2022. This research is exploring community experiences of the Tasmania State Emergency Service flood warning system, as well as community preparedness for flood. Locations include Launceston, the Meander Valley, Kentish, Latrobe, Northern Midlands, Central Coast and Break O’Day local government areas.
Supported by the Tasmania SES, this research will inform improvements to the flood warning system and community disaster preparedness programs. Learn more by clicking the blue button above.
Community members who were flooded were invited to share their experiences by completing an online questionnaire and research interviews from May to November 2023.
Many areas across south-east Queensland and New South Wales experienced widespread and destructive flooding from January to July 2022 - some locations multiple times.
A total of 192 flood-impacted residents were interviewed using an approach that invited residents to share their flood story, while a further 430 residents participated in an online survey ensuring personal experiences of people impacted by these floods was captured. This research was completed in May 2023.
Findings are now available in the form of a full report, summary report, Hazard Note briefing paper, a webinar and short videos. Access all by clicking the red button above.
These findings are providing vital insights on preparedness, response and the early stages of recovery to help reduce future flood risk.
High level findings
In the video below, lead researcher A/Prof Mel Taylor talks about the key findings from important research understanding the community experiences of the 2022 New South Wales and Queensland floods.
A/Prof Taylor explains:
- Community connectedness is key
- Recovery support
- People want to resume their normal lives ASAP to try and maintain a sense of control
- What people would do differently in the future
How to use post flood research
Natural Hazards Research Australia CEO Andrew Gissing outlines the research findings from social research conducted after the 2022 New South Wales and Queensland floods, how this research is being used and how your organisation can learn more.
Andrew explains:
- Why we need to learn from the experiences of flood-affected communities
- The role communities played in the flood response
- How this research informs warnings, emergency planning and future capability
- Policy implications of the findings