Ensuring disaster risk reduction and adaptation are at the heart of Australia’s path to a cleaner, more resilient future is Natural Hazards Research Australia’s (the Centre) key message to the Productivity Commission’s Investing in cheaper, cleaner energy and the net zero transformation inquiry.
The Centre’s submission highlights the growing risks climate-related hazards pose to Australian homes, businesses and communities, calling for a dual focus on emissions reduction and adapting community resilience and infrastructure to worsening climate extremes.
The Productivity Commission’s interim report details how Australia can accelerate investment in affordable low-emissions energy while managing the broader economic and social changes needed to reach net zero carbon emissions.
Drawing on current research, the Centre’s submission emphasises the importance of transparent, accessible risk information for households and businesses, targeted investment in retrofitting existing housing, and embedding resilience into planning and development decisions. It also supports innovative ideas such as a Resilience Star Rating System to help drive behavioural and market change.
Contributing national expertise to this inquiry demonstrates the Centre’s continued thought leadership for policy and decision makers, ensuring disaster resilience and risk reduction are integral to Australia’s net zero transition. And connecting research with real-world decision-making supports policies that protect communities and strengthen Australia’s long-term capacity for resilience.
The final inquiry report is due to be handed to the Australian Government in December 2025.