In Australia, the effects of climate change are already being experienced in the form of higher temperatures and more frequent extreme events. A warmer climate will increase the risk of floods, causing greater impacts to people, property, and the environment. Flooding is already Australia’s costliest form of natural disaster, with losses estimated at over $400 million a year. Floods bring different impacts to individuals and societies, necessitating a need to develop flood adaptation strategies specific to affected entities, location and spatial scales. Vital to this process is the need to have a good understanding of the bio-physical and socio-demographic attributes of an area, and additionally information about their vulnerability, adaptive capacity and resilience. It is also essential to evaluate the effectiveness of flood mitigation measures and identify plans and strategies that have worked well or been found wanting in previous flood events. Some communities in Australia are critically vulnerable to flooding. With the increased risk of more flooding in the future to such areas, it is important to gain insights into how these communities cope and endure.

Bio

B. Science (Psychology and Environmental Science/Studies), B. Public Policy and Management (Hons), DML (French) - University of Melbourne; just completed a M. Applied Science (Tropical Urban and Regional Planning) at James Cook University. An applied social science and coastal planning background having worked at all levels of the public service in Australia (local, state and federal), including the Victorian Public Service graduate program in poicy roles. Part of the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility Emgergency Management network.