Expressions of Interest are now open for a new research project that will improve the protection of homes from the effects of bushfire.
Bushfire risks are increasing in Australia due to a complex combination of environmental, social and political processes. It is now clear that we must learn to coexist and adapt to bushfire risks. Nearly 3,000 homes were destroyed in the 2019/20 fires, and many of these households remain in temporary accommodation, particularly in more socially vulnerable locations where people have struggled to rebuild or to rent elsewhere. In many regional areas, this has compounded an already challenging housing crisis. The interplay between structural design/safety measures and the attitudes or actions of homeowners is fundamental to home tenability. However, these aspects are usually explored in silos, when guidelines and policy that consider their interrelationship are vital.
Part of Natural Hazards Research Australia's core program, the new Integrated solutions for bushfire-adaptive homes project will:
- provide a better understanding of the causes of the failure rates of homes built to AS3959
- investigate what physical building material, housing designs or additional safety measures would best reduce failure rates
- explore which social levers can be better utilised to influence and support communities to better protect homes from bushfires
Expressions of Interest are open until 11:59pm AEDT on 25 January 2023. EOIs must be prepared using the Centre's EOI submission form. Find out more about this EOI, including the submission form and any frequently asked questions, on the Integrated solutions for bushfire-adaptive homes project page.