A Charles Sturt University (CSU) research team is investigating how communities cope with natural disasters such as bushfire and drought, as seen in recent years in Beechworth and Bendigo in Victoria.

 

Led by CSU researcher Dr Joanne Millar, the team aims to survey 400 households in Beechworth and Bendigo throughout November. The research is part of a major national project with James Cook University that is investigating how regional communities recover from natural disasters and the behaviours they are adopting to prevent, prepare for and respond to future events.

 

Studies of people’s experiences with drought in central Victoria, the 2003 to 2009 bushfires in North East Victoria, and Cyclone Larry and floods in northern Queensland have been completed. The bushfire study interviewed residents of Stanley, Bruarong, and Beechworth, as well as government agency staff in support roles. The drought study interviewed residents and businesses in Bendigo.

 

“People who experienced bushfires spoke of the importance of community support and leadership at critical times, whereas people coped with drought more as individuals,” said Dr Millar, who is a senior researcher with the Institute of Land, Water and Society.

 

“Assistance from local, state and federal governments appears to be an essential part of the recovery process for communities affected by drought and bushfire,” she said.