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Policymakers, researchers and community leaders came together in Brisbane for the 2024 Queensland Disaster Management Research Forum hosted by the Queensland Office of the Inspector-General of Emergency Management to address critical challenges in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) was invited to highlight the translation of research into actionable disaster risk reduction strategies, reflecting this year’s conference theme ‘Research into Practice’. CEO Andrew Gissing's presentation showcased the Centre’s ongoing work with its Participant base to ensure that Centre-funded research prioritises the needs of agencies and communities across Australia.
Local 2024 Disaster Challenge Finalists Natalie Oliver (Queensland Fire Department), Alexandra Gunn (La Trobe University and Queensland Fire Department) and Lillian Norris (University of Queensland) from Team HIRRO presented their pitch for Home Insurance Risk Reduction Options (HIRRO). The team’s solution to the wicked problem in building and maintain trust across society was empowering homeowners to reduce natural hazard impact risk and increase resilience through a range of practical home improvements, leading to reductions in insurance premiums and building multi-agency trust.
Photo: Natalie Oliver, Alexandra Gunn and Lillian Norris
Centre Associate Student, Russell Dippy (Charles Sturt University) presented his study into professionalisation of the Australian emergency manager, as well as his definitions for the emergency manager, response manager and recovery manager. Russell’s research findings from his recently completed Doctor of Public Safety highlight the need for a more structured and professional approach to emergency management, advocating for the standardised training and recognition of these critical roles.
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Photo: Russell Dippy
Harikesh, a Centre Associate Student (The University of the Sunshine Coast), presented his postgraduate research on an empirical and dynamic tool that will map fire risk probability, predict fire points and model fire spread across flammable forest areas.
Three additional students in the Centre’s Education Program showcased their research in posters:
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Jane Toner (Associate Student – Griffith University): Empowering community to speak for and about nature where they live
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Jady Smith (Scholarship Student – The University of The Sunshine Coast): Mitigating fire through water management in the rural-urban interface
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Danielle O’Hara (Associate Student - The University of Queensland): Understanding conflict in disaster recovery collaborations