Disaster recovery should be planned for at least five years, UNSW expert says
Dr Brady says people still in caravans a year after a disaster is a pattern seen after practically every one.
Dr Kate Brady, a UNSW Sydney researcher, says recovery programs should be planned for at least five years. Dr Brady says experienced workers and ongoing support should be there long after the danger passes.
She argues governments must stop treating long stays in temporary housing as an unexpected failure. Practically every disaster in Australia has left people in caravans or temporary housing a year later.
Recent Australian research has found people stayed in temporary housing for years. Some could not get housing help.
Dr Brady is critical of hiring recovery workers after disasters, often on short contracts. Dr Brady says there are no longer years between disasters.
After Black Summer, some communities faced floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- At least five years
- Planning period
- Currowan fire, New Year's Eve
- Lost home
Why it mattersSurvivors can face housing, work, school and health problems for years after an emergency.
AustraliaAustralians in bushfire and flood areas could face longer waits for housing and help after disasters.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 56 min ago
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