Published works

Exposure is a word often used to describe “what is at risk” that includes people, buildings, infrastructure, businesses, hazardous substances and primary industries. The annual report is to outline the achievements of milestones of Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC is funded “Natural Hazards Exposure Information Modelling Framework”. The framework will support the development and maintainance of nationally consistent exposure information systems to support decision making in disaster management. The project has reviewed the current literature and information services; engaged end users and researchers for future requirements; and, is continuing the gap analysis.

The literature review has helped the project to understand the relevant practices and future trends at international, national, regional and local levels. In particular, the review highlighted the exposure data requirements to enable researchers to develop models for better impact analysis. The review has also contributed to collating the requirements for information needed by decision makers for response and strategic policy initiatives.

The project has conducted an on-line survey for the review of exposure information capabilities in Australia to ascertain existing data and information capabilities for DRR. The survey has identified significant gaps in the existing data provisions and translation of information for evidenced based disaster risk response, recovery and reduction decision making. Geoscience Australia’s National Exposure Information System has a nationally consistent approach and provides exposure information for buildings and population. Most of the information is derived statistically and provided at SA1 aggregated level. Emergency Information Coordination Unit, NSW has comprehensive information for Sydney and limted information for other areas in their jurisdiction. The Census of Land Use and Employment (CLUE), Melbourne City provides comprehensive information about business and economic activity. Notwithstanding these examples, the overall lack of national consistency in existing data and information capabilities is a limiting factor in the decision making.

The project also conducted a Stakeholder Engagement Workshop with an aim to identify the exposure information needs of researchers and end users in Australia. The workshop provided an opportunity for thirty six participants representing decision makers, emergency managers, planners, researchers, asset managers and the insurance sector to outline their future requirements. Mind-maps presented at the workshop enabled us to observe overlapping concepts and data elements in the three exposure components of disaster exposure information. Stakeholder engagement is continuing with the researchers and subject matter experts. Recommendations were drawn to develop a standardised, nationally consistent and scalable natural hazards exposure information framework for Australia.

The collective views of data managers, researchers and end users have informed the basis for exposure information requirements to develop a consistent, standardised exposure information framework that will support vulnerability assessments for disaster risk reduction and socio-economic impact analysis.