Newest AJEM issue features the latest on disaster risk reduction

The latest edition of the Australian Journal of Emergency Management features new research on supporting disaster risk reduction frameworks in Australia and New Zealand.

Published by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, the July issue collates research papers that explore various divisions of disaster management including stakeholder engagement, recovery planning frameworks and disaster memorial events.

CRC research is featured in two papers—Urban planning capabilities for bushfire: treatment categories and scenario testing and Implementing research to support disaster risk reduction.  

Urban planning capabilities for bushfire: treatment categories and scenario testing is by the entire Urban planning for natural hazard mitigation project team, Prof Alan March (University of Melbourne), Dr Graeme Riddell (University of Adelaide), Dr Leonardo Nogueira de Moraes (University of Melbourne), A/Prof Janet Stanley (University of Melbourne), Adj A/Prof Hedwig van Delden (Research Institute for Knowledge Systems), Prof Ruth Beilin (University of Melbourne), Prof Stephen Dovers (Australian National University) and Prof Holger Maier (University of Adelaide). The paper sets out a framework demonstrating how urban planning, when coupled with appropriate decision support and future scenario testing, can reduce risks relating to bushfire while considering future growth. The paper contributes to risk reduction by providing practical mechanisms for risk avoidance and treatment via urban and land-use planning systems combined with forward scenario testing to guide existing settlements and future growth.

In Implementing research to support disaster risk reduction, Dr Christine Owen (University of Tasmania), researcher for the Improving decision-making in complex multi-team environments project, Dr Noreen Krusel (AFAC) and CRC Utilisation and DELWP Program Manager Loriana Bethune reports on findings that led to the development of a research utilisation maturity matrix. The findings of their study can help emergency services personnel assess organisational practices to improve research utilisation within the emergency sector and contribute to greater disaster risk reduction outcomes.

CRC research also featured in four News and Views articles:

• Bushfire lessons from cultural burns – Dr Jessica Weir (Western Sydney University)
• Readiness for the next major bushfire emergency – Andrew Gissing (Risk Frontiers) and Neil Bibby (Asia Pacific Fire)
• The new Australian Disaster Resilience Index: a tool for building safer, adaptable communities and Uncovering exposure to natural hazards – CRC Communications Officer Bethany Patch

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