Short-term research to address strategic national issues

The Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC is set to commence five new short-term research projects as part of the CRC Tactical Research Fund.

The fund is intended to support short term projects that address strategic issues for the sector, have national significance, and support the outcomes of AFAC Collaboration Groups.

The first round of projects have been accepted and are described below. Two projects, where noted, have expressions of interest open for a research provider, available at www.bnhcrc.com.au/about/opportunities. These expressions of interest close on 31 May. All other projects have a nominated research provider.

Australian Incident Reporting Systemdata revision and analysis

End-user: AFAC
Expressions of interest now open for a research provider

This study will discover what can be learned through detailed analysis of existing incident data, while investigating ways of improving the Australian Incident Reporting System and national data set to maximise its value to AFAC, AFAC members and communities.

A strategic analysis of preventable residential fire fatalities

End-user: Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Melbourne
Expressions of interest now open for a research provider

The aim of this project is to develop a deeper understanding about the victims of preventable residential fire fatalities in Australia. The research will identify socio-demographic characteristics and the common linkages that groups of victims may have.

Classifying outcomes of inquiries and reviews: what can we learn?

End-user: AFAC

This study will aim to understand the extent to which major inquiries and reviews into the management of fire and emergency incidents have produced parallel findings and recommendations.

Re-imagining program evaluation for community resilience outcomes

End-user: Emergency Management Victoria

While Emergency Management Victoria have undertaken significant work to better understand and assist resilient communities, this project will support EMV’s work to date by designing a method to assess community resilience outcomes of emergency management policies and programs. Outcomes will allow departments and agencies to better understand, test and improve initiatives that support community resilience building processes.

Strategic Management of AFFF Foam Legacy Issues

End-user: AFAC

This study will aim to provide a consolidated report on the management of legacy issues arising from the historical use of aqueous film forming foam Foams (AFFF) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This research will be undertaken in consultation with the CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment.

Applications for the second round of funding for future projects are now open and will close on 30 June 2017. For more information on the process visit www.bnhcrc.com.au/about/opportunities.