The Australian Government is providing $85 million to fund ten years of critical natural hazards research through the establishment of Natural Hazards Research Australia (NHRA).
The new Centre will deliver world-leading, evidence-based research to inform how we move towards zero preventable deaths, better prepare communities to deal with natural disasters, and develop technological solutions to mitigate risks.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said that the Centre will tackle different aspects of critical natural hazards research and develop solutions that are multidisciplinary.
“We need research that translates into action to meet contemporary challenges faced by emergency services and communities across Australia,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Floods, cyclones and bushfires are a natural part of the Australian landscape, so it’s crucial that we continue to strengthen our resilience and response efforts to ensure the impact on lives, communities and the environment is minimised,” he said.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said that by providing long-term support for NHRA, the Government is backing evidence-based research to deliver real-world outcomes and innovative solutions.
“Translating research into tangible ways to better predict bushfires and other events will help save lives,” Minister Porter said.
“As the centre builds over the next year, I look forward to new partnerships being forged that connect our excellence in research with communities, businesses and emergency services providers, to ensure that the Government’s investment translates into meaningful outcomes for Australians.
“The Government remains committed towards building resilience and reducing risks associated with natural hazard events.”
NHRA will work closely with state and territory governments, emergency service agencies, universities and industry to:
- support objectives of the Government’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework and recommendations of the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements;
- work alongside and complement the new Australian Climate Service;
- contribute to the work of the National Recovery and Resilience Agency to enhance disaster risk reduction and build more resilient communities;
- deliver a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary research program spanning the full prevent, prepare, respond and recover cycle;
- translate and apply research, guided by three key objectives: towards zero preventable deaths; well-prepared and resilient communities; and, research that translates into action
