Community experiences of the 2022 Australian floods - Queensland and New South Wales

Extensive and damaging flooding caused widespread destruction in many areas across New South Wales and south-east Queensland throughout 2022. This research heard the personal stories of people who were impacted or threatened by the floods between January and July 2022. This research was completed in May 2023.

Learn more about the results via the report links below or by watching the recording of A/Prof Mel Taylor's launch of the findings at the 2023 Natural Hazards Research Forum (also below). 

This research has provided vital insights on preparedness, response and the early stages of recovery to help reduce future flood risk.

A total of 192 flood-impacted residents were interviewed using an approach that invited residents to share their flood story, while a further 430 residents participated in an online survey ensuring personal experiences of people impacted by these floods was captured.

The research provides vital context to assist emergency management organisations, government departments, local government, community organisations and community members to better understand the complexities of community experiences before, during and after severe weather. The results are already informing strategies to improve flood safety and policy across Australia, including informing an external review of the 2022 flood response commissioned by the Insurance Council of Australia.

The research was supported by the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).

Short research engagement survey: 

Thank you to those who have engaged with our research findings on Community experiences of the January – July 2022 floods in New South Wales and Queensland.

Please provide feedback on the dissemination of these research findings via this quick survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z73HX3M 

Watch A/Prof Mel Taylor briefly explain four findings in this short video:

• Community connectedness is key
• Recovery support
• People want to resume their normal lives ASAP to try and maintain a sense of control, but there were many challenges in getting home after the floods
• What people would do differently in the future

Here you can see Natural Hazards Research Australia CEO Andrew Gissing outlining how this research is being used and how your organisation can learn more: