Enhancing housing recovery policy and practice for improving community resilience to future disasters

The threat to housing in Australia from hazards such as bushfires, floods and cyclones is increasing, with replacement costs escalating. A Climate Council of Australia report found that one in 25 Australian homes (around 500,000 homes) is at high risk of becoming effectively uninsurable by 2030.

This means new short-term relief strategies and longer-term housing recovery solutions need to be developed.

AHURI's research examined seven case studies of disaster recovery (from bushfire, flood and cyclones) in Australia.

It found effective housing policies need to provide immediate responses, such as relief and temporary housing; as well as future-focused responses, such as ensuring communities are better prepared for disasters, and taking steps to prevent and mitigate their impacts.

They combine technical responses (such as land use planning and building design), social resilience (citizen inclusion), cross-sector collaboration, financial resources and political support. The research identified five areas of policy development to enhance housing resilience and recovery.

1. Proactive Housing Crisis Management and Prevention focuses on forward-thinking measures such as land-use planning, risk modelling and construction standards, to reduce risks before disasters occur. Programs should also include vulnerable groups, such as renters, community housing residents, people at-risk of homelessness and itinerant workers.
2. Post-Disaster Housing Solutions and Recovery promotes diverse, sustainable responses, including modular housing and ‘Build back better’. Temporary accommodation programs using existing infrastructure such as holiday parks, motels and hotels can support local economies and provide immediate relief. Temporary housing villages are costly and problematic. They need to be built in ways that maintain community spirit and connections.
3. Local Empowerment and Community-Led Recovery highlights the critical role of local governments and communities. The Australian, state and territory governments should support local governments in continually developing preparedness based on risk modelling. Community Recovery Committees, as seen in Victoria, show promise as they provide residents with opportunities to directly participate in recovery decisions.
4. Insurance Reform and Financial Support addresses challenges of affordability and underinsurance, proposing equitable recovery solutions.
5. Government Coordination and Long-Term Resilience calls for improved collaboration across all levels of government to future-proof housing policies. Examples include encouraging ‘Build back better’ policies; developing an Australian Standards flood rating system; and establishing a federal insurance scheme for those who cannot afford to pay increasing premiums.

Download the full report here.

Download AHURI's full report