Following a series of rolling weather-related disasters in the first half of 2022 – and forecasts of yet another La Nina pattern to impact southern Queensland – preparedness has never been more vital.
Now, researchers from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) are working to ensure lessons from early 2022 can be applied to protect communities in the firing line in late 2022 and beyond.
USQ emergency communications expert Dr Barbara Ryan will collaborate with Natural Hazards Research Australia, Macquarie University and the Queensland University of Technology to learn from the experiences of those flood-affected this year.
They will gather vital insights on how people reacted to the preparedness, response and recovery stages of floods.
“Our goal is to interview as many people as we can from Western Downs, Southern Downs, Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley regional council areas – online or in person – in September,” Dr Ryan said.
“The results of this research will be used by agencies to understand what communities need at certain stages of the disaster and what obstacles people faced in reducing the impact, getting information during the events and then recovering from the floods.”
Lead researcher and occupational psychologist Associate Professor Mel Taylor of Macquarie University said every story was important and encouraged people affected to get involved.
“Each individual experience is unique and can help make a difference during future floods,“ she said.
“By contributing your personal experience to this research, you can help improve community safety strategies and influence future policy.
“You may have had to evacuate quickly due to rising floodwaters or perhaps you put your flood plan into practice but the floodwaters didn’t come to your house.
“We want to hear about a wide range of experiences.”
Natural Hazards Research Australia is funding the independent study, which is supported by the NSW State Emergency Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
Results will be used to inform strategies to improve flood safety right across Australia.
To register to be part of the research project visit naturalhazards.com.au/floods2022 or call (02) 9850 9955.
