Australian Natural Hazards Exposure Information Framework: Guidelines for National Consistency and Comprehensive Information

<p>Bushfires and Natural Hazards are features of the Australian climate and landscape. These hazards continue to pose threat and profound personal, social, economic and environmental impacts. In Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), nationally consistent and comprehensive exposure information is critical to provide situational awareness and a fundamental baseline of what may be impacted for decision makers at all levels of governance. <p>Extensive consultation with stakeholders and a review of international exposure information practices has informed the compilation of information requirements for each phase of DRR. The Natural Hazards Exposure Information Framework is a definition of the data and attributes required for all levels of DRR governance in governments, insurance sector and researchers. The report reviewed current information provision systems in Australia, identified gaps and proposed recommendations to enable the creation of more comprehensive exposure information in the future. The framework is fundamentally based on the location of features in the physical environment and their characteristics including key social and economic attributes, e.g. insurance status, buildings, infrastructure (transport, energy, communications and water), people, businesses, manufacturing industries, hazardous substances, waste management and primary industries. Importantly, the framework also addresses the ‘fit for purpose’ question by describing guidelines for data custodians to establish and maintain data provenance to enable the derivation of meaningful data reliability measures for end users. <p>The Natural Hazards Exposure Information Framework provides guidance to build and advance exposure information systems in Australia. This will enable data custodians to prioritise and invest in data, processing and delivery to improve the efficiencies of both tactical and strategic disaster management. Improved nationally consistent and comprehensive exposure information will enable users to assess risk and provide informed advice, such as cost-benefit analysis of mitigation proposals or disaster recovery arrangements. This framework will be a fundamental reference in developing similar systems internationally such as Global Exposure Database for all hazards. The framework also aids in capacity building for developing nations to improve their DRR practices.