Innovative research providing unique insight into how Australian communities use, understand and act on bushfire maps and associated warning messages has been shortlisted for a 2024 Resilient Australia National Research for Impact Award.
A collaboration between Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre), Country Fire Authority, Department of Education Victoria, RMIT University, Queensland University of Technology, Deakin University and Swinburne University of Technology, Predictions in Public: Understanding the design, communication and dissemination of predictive maps to the public is gathering evidence and using collaborative processes to contribute to and support a national approach to the future use of public-facing predictive fire spread maps.
Project researcher, Dr Erica Kuligowski (Principal Research Fellow, RMIT University) is delighted the project was shortlisted for the Resilient Australia Awards, which are sponsored by the Australian Government in partnership with the states and territories and managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR).
“Predictions in Public is already significantly impacting the sector’s knowledge about the way community members use, understand and act on bushfire maps, with subsequent phases developing principles that could standardise the use of predictive maps within the Australian Warning System,” Erica said.
“This is crucial information that will underpin the future design of bushfire maps to ensure they meet the needs of Australians as well as emergency service agencies.”
The contribution of other Centre researchers and research institutions in building whole of community resilience to disasters and emergencies around Australia is reflected in their shortlisting throughout the Resilient Australia Awards’ 10 award categories.
Capturing and sharing examples of resilience in action, the Resilient Australia Awards recognise collaboration and innovative thinking across a broad range of sectors and initiatives that strengthen disaster resilience with communities, institutions, and the private sector.
The Resilient Australia Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Canberra on 20 November 2024. Find out more about this year’s shortlist and register for the ceremony live stream.