Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

Final report of the National Bushfire and Climate Summit 2020 Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA) exists to catalyse all levels of government and community members to recognise increasing threats and to urgently act on .

Informed by climate science and centuries of combined experience, ELCA is working to ensure that fire and emergency services and land managers are better equipped and resourced to protect Australian communities from increasingly frequent and damaging extreme weather events, but with the realisation that the scale of disasters under a changing climate will increasingly overwhelm response and recovery capabilities, as occurred in Black Summer 2019 - 2020.

We are actively shaping the national conversation about climate change and extreme weather, by drawing the media spotlight when and where it’s needed, engaging with all state and federal bushfire inquiries and commissions and through convening and engaging with a broad range of people and organisations who may otherwise not have had a voice.

Over June and July 2020, ELCA brought together leading climate scientists, former and current emergency leaders, Indigenous fire practitioners, doctors, veterinarians, farmers, community leaders, social service providers, economists, mayors, bushfire survivors, and many other members of the community for the National Bushfire and Climate Summit 2020. This report documents key findings and recommendations.

Published by Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and the Climate Council of Ltd. ISBN: 978-1-922404-05-3 (print) 978-1-922404-04-6 (digital) © Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and the Climate Council of Australia Ltd 2020. This work is copyright of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and the Climate Council of Australia Ltd. All material contained in this work is copyright of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and the Climate Council of Australia Ltd except where a third party source is indicated. Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and the Climate Council of Australia Ltd copyright material is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License. To view a copy of this license visit http:// creativecommons.org.au. You are free to copy, communicate and adapt the copyright material so long as you attribute Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and the Climate Council of Australia Ltd and the authors in the following manner: Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan: Final report of the National Bushfire and Climate Summit 2020. Authors: Greg Mullins, Simon Bradshaw and Alix Pearce.

— Cover image: “Belrose Hazard Reduction” by Flickr user NSW RFS Media Services licensed under CC BY-NCND 2.0. This report is printed on 100% recycled paper. Contents

Introduction...... 1 Priority recommendations...... 5 List of summit participants...... 9 A national response to the bushfire crisis fuelled by climate change...... 11

Part 1: Climate change and the changing nature of fires 12 Part 2: Landscape management in the age of climate change (fuel management, 13 cultural and prescribed burning) Part 3: Dealing with more dangerous fires under climate change 15 Part 4: National coordination 17 Part 5: Research, training, capacity building and community inclusion 19

The cost of bushfires fuelled by climate change...... 21

Part 1: Federal, state and territory funding for resources (including 22 forestry, national parks and fire services and disaster funding mechanisms) Part 2: The health costs of bushfires and climate change 25 Part 3: The insurance costs of bushfires and climate change 28 Part 4: Costs for bushfire affected communities and the organisations that support them 30 Case study: Mount Barney Lodge 33

Bushfires and climate change in NSW...... 35

Part 1: Physical and mental health impacts of bushfires 36 Part 2: Supporting communities to manage land and worsening fires, and to protect 38 ecosystems and wildlife Part 3: Community impact – economy, infrastructure and agriculture 40 Part 4: Achieving change through community action 42 Case study: Lake Conjola community-led recovery 45

Bushfires, climate change and the community sector...... 47 Image credits...... 55 Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

Introduction

The severity and scale of Australian bushfires response capabilities, and more work to reduce is escalating bushfire risks. Sadly, those warnings fell on deaf ears and, as the world watched on in horror, those same Australia’s Black Summer fires over 2019 and 2020 warnings became a harsh reality. were unprecedented in scale and levels of destruction. Fuelled by climate change, the hottest and driest year It is clear the magnitude of the Black Summer crisis ever recorded resulted in fires that burned through land demands urgent, determined and evidence-based two-and-a-half times the size of Tasmania (more than 17 actions and investment. The most important action million hectares), killed more than a billion animals, and required is a concerted effort to deal with the key, affected nearly 80 percent of Australians. This included driving force behind worsening extreme weather and the tragic loss of over 450 lives from the fires and disasters – global heating driven by the burning of smoke, more than 3,000 homes were destroyed, and coal, oil and gas. thousands of other buildings. Effective action first demands listening to the science While unprecedented, this tragedy was not and to the experiences of those on the frontlines of unforeseen, nor unexpected. For decades climate the climate crisis, including emergency responders scientists have warned of an increase in climate- and affected communities themselves. It also requires related disasters, including longer and more significant reflection, both on the events, their causes, dangerous bushfire seasons, which have become the response, and a full investigation of how we can directly observable over the last 20 years. Extremely better prepare and respond in the future. hot, dry conditions, underpinned by years of reduced rainfall and a severe , set the scene for the Black Summer crisis. The National Bushfire and Climate Summit

Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA), a The National Bushfire and Climate Summit brought group of 33 former Australian fire and emergency together hundreds of participants from across the service leaders, from every state and territory, warned country, and the world, to share their experiences, of the unfolding conditions back in April 2019. They and to formulate recommendations to address the predicted a catastrophic fire season, urged stronger worsening risk of devastating bushfires fuelled by action on climate change, an increase in emergency climate change.

While unprecedented, this tragedy was not unforeseen. For decades climate scientists have warned of an increase in climate-related disasters, including longer and more dangerous bushfire seasons.

1 Introduction

Organised by Emergency Leaders for Climate It is fundamental to dealing with the long-term Action and the Climate Council, former and current escalation of disaster risks that Australia must do better emergency leaders came together with Indigenous fire to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by moving practitioners, health professionals, farmers, community beyond fossil fuels. And, in order for this to happen, we leaders, social service providers, economists, local need a strategic approach to bushfires that spans all mayors, climate scientists, bushfire survivors and many areas of government and community, one that is driven others to address this challenge. This report is the by strong national leadership with clearly defined short, culmination of that effort. medium and long term goals.

In a series of online roundtables from June to July 2020, three central themes emerged. First, participants Recommendations - The 3 Rs - Response, stressed the importance of urgent measures to tackle Readiness and Recovery the underlying causes of our climate crisis, and to drive down emissions. They recognised that many There is no doubt that bushfires in Australia have communities and ecosystems were already being become more frequent, ferocious and unpredictable pushed beyond their ability to adapt, and that much with major losses in 2001/02 in NSW, 2003 in the more must be done to prevent more lives being lost, ACT, 2013 in Tasmania and NSW, 2018 in , and more suffering being experienced by Australians 2009 Black Saturday Fires in and 2019/20 in and communities worldwide. Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia. We are now in a new era of supercharged bushfire risk, forcing Second, experts across emergency services, land a fundamental rethink of how we prevent, prepare for, management and health services, all raised deep respond to, and recover from bushfires. concerns that governments, especially the Federal Government, had and continue to underestimate This Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan report or ignore the rapidly escalating threat of climate provides a broad plan and practical ideas for change. Consequently, our land management, fire and governments, fire and land management agencies emergency services are under resourced, disaster and communities to help us mitigate and adapt to recovery is under-resourced, and communities are worsening fire conditions. The 165 recommendations underprepared for the worsening bushfire threat. include many measures that can be implemented right now, to ensure communities are better protected. Third, participants recognised the inherent strength and resilience of local communities in responding Response to the challenges of climate change and worsening bushfires, and placed community leadership at the In many instances during the Black Summer, heart of many of their recommendations. However, faced unprecedented conditions outside previous there was recognition that communities cannot experience and training. Climate change is making fires solve these challenges on their own and are often harder to control once they start and, in turn, the focus insufficiently resourced to deal with the new threat of firefighting efforts must shift from containing fires environment. Participants also recognised the vital role to rapidly extinguishing them while they are still small. of First Nations people in partnering to better manage This is a major change in our approach and requires the Australian landscape, with a need for greater significant investment in early detection and rapidly understanding, funding and support for Indigenous deployable aerial and ground firefighting forces. land and fire management.

2 Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

To match the escalating threat and cost of bushfires, and protect firefighters’ mental health, the report Australia must upgrade its firefighting capabilities. recommends the establishment of a new national fire This includes better resourcing for urban and rural and emergency academy to ensure firefighters have fire services and land management agencies, and appropriate training, particularly at strategic leadership developing self-sufficient capabilities and command levels. rather than relying on the availability of medium and large aerial firefighting assets that are increasingly Building community resilience in communities difficult to source due to overlapping northern and vulnerable ahead of future fire seasons is essential. southern hemisphere fire seasons. The Federal The report outlines a range of solutions including to: Government should consider a scheme to pay or reimburse volunteers deployed for extended periods > Ensure the Federal Government works with or suffering hardships or loss of income due to their insurance companies to develop a system to safely firefighting commitments. transition people out of high-risk properties and areas that are becoming uninsurable, to safer areas. In addition, there must be a consistent national approach to sharing information and warnings on > Continue Telehealth - where people can consult fires and other hazards including close-to-real-time their doctor over the phone to allow patients in information sharing via a standard national app. bushfire-affected communities to access remote Further, the Australian Defence Force’s vital support healthcare. capabilities must be better utilised during emergencies including better coordination (without usurping the > Establish an independent insurance price role of emergency management agencies) and specific monitoring scheme to increase the affordability and capabilities tailored to local needs. uptake of insurance and better protect Australians in disaster prone areas. Insurance is a key factor in Readiness community resilience.

The Black Summer showed that historical land > Establish and fund permanent community resilience management practices are now insufficient to deal hubs in every vulnerable local government area. The with the escalating threats driven by climate change. hubs would provide accessible bushfire information The increasing intensity, scale and duration of bushfire and assist communities in developing disaster seasons will increasingly overwhelm existing fire, preparedness plans and to remain connected emergency management and landscape management during and following a disaster. This is crucial as approaches. fire and emergency services facing increasing response workloads will be increasingly restrained Land management in this new era requires long- in their ability to work in the community education/ term, year-round and cross-tenure approaches at preparedness space. landscape scale that incorporate better resourcing of land management agencies, empowerment and Recovery support of Indigenous communities, all backed by a strong, user-driven national research capability. An The sheer scale of damage to property, communities Indigenous-led National Cultural Fire Strategy, as well and the Australian environment during the Black as resourcing of year-round Indigenous-led cultural and Summer was unprecedented and has overwhelmed the fire management programs is critical, as well as better essentially ad hoc recovery arrangements developed resourcing for hazard management programs by fire, for a previous era. It is clear that we must accept the emergency and land management agencies. reality and prepare for more frequent and damaging fires into the future. To meet the increasing costs Firefighters and fire agencies, including forestry and of climate-fuelled disasters, Australia must create a national parks agencies, must be equipped to face an national climate disaster fund to raise money through increasingly challenging threat environment. Among a levy on fossil fuel producers, as current funding a range of recommendations to support volunteers arrangements are administratively complex and demonstrably insufficient.

3 Introduction

Communities will recover faster where they have We hope that the solutions outlined in Australian been well prepared, therefore there is a significant Bushfire and Climate Plan, developed by experts focus in this report on community resilience and and communities from across Australia, will also readiness, with community resilience hubs being a key be reflected in the final report of the Bushfire strategic component. Community led approaches to Royal Commission and acted upon by the Federal disaster preparedness and disaster recovery, in which Government. We also welcome the Federal community members are actively involved in designing Government's $88 million funding to expand and implementing initiatives, can have higher rates of research into bushfires and natural hazards. success and strong benefits for mental wellbeing.

Thank you Without action on climate change, any response to the bushfire crisis will be ineffective Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and the Climate Council thanks the many participants in An effective and equitable response to the bushfire the 2020 National Bushfire and Climate Summit crisis is only possible by tackling the key driving factor - for the insights and expertise they brought to the the climate crisis. This must start with Australia phasing roundtables, including in many cases their very raw out the use of fossil fuels and the Federal Government and painful experiences from the recent fire season, joining the states and territories in committing to a and for their resolve in dealing with this defining net zero emissions policy. While it is clear we need challenge of our age, climate change. stronger leadership from the Federal Government, any response must also be grounded in the experiences, leadership, needs and strengths of communities as has been done in this report.

Image: 6 of the 33 members of ELCA.

4 Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

Priority Recommendations

Tackling the climate crisis 5. The Federal Government, in partnership with relevant agencies, governments and emergency 1. The Federal Government must address the services, should coordinate the development root cause of the climate crisis and worsening of a consistent national approach to sharing bushfires through a national commitment to net information and warnings on fires and other zero emissions, strengthening of Australia’s 2030 hazards with the community, in as close to real emissions reduction targets, and the managed time as possible, including a standard national phase-out of all fossil fuels. (See recommendation app. (See recommendations 28-29, p. 17.) 1, p. 12.) 6. The Federal, State and Territory Governments should establish and fund permanent community Dealing with more dangerous fires due to resilience hubs in every local government area climate change in vulnerable parts of the country. These will enable easy access to information on bushfire 2. Federal, State and Territory Governments should risks and resilience strategies; assist communities adequately resource emergency services so in developing disaster preparedness and that they can prioritise the early detection response plans; and help communities remain and extinguishing of fires, including through connected during and following a disaster. (See an automated network of sensors, and the recommendation 105, p. 30.) immediate deployment of aerial and ground firefighting crews on days of very high fire danger 7. Ensure a new federal law that provides a and above. (See recommendations 10-17, p. 15.) clear role and accountability for the Federal Government before, during and following a 3. Increase Federal, State and Territory funding major disaster, including triggers for when it is available for bushfire risk mitigation and required to assist State and Territory governments. firefighting. This should be across all agencies (See recommendations 34-36, p. 18.) and asset types, and include developing a self- sufficient Australian medium and large aerial 8. The Federal Government should develop a firefighting capability. (See recommendations National Security Strategy. The National Security 49-56, p. 22.) Strategy should provide a broader framing of security inclusive of food, water, health and 4. Increase Federal, State and Territory funding economic security; and give appropriate priority for volunteer recruitment, training and retention to climate and other environmental risks. Defence programs, recognising that volunteers face should be enabled to contribute effectively to increasingly challenging scenarios that may domestic disaster response, as appropriate, require strong leadership and decision-making including through identifying gaps in current skills. (See recommendations 40, p. 19; 43, p. 19; disaster response capabilities that could be 48, p. 20; 54, p. 22.) filled and supported by Defence, undertaking exercises for domestic disaster response, and appointing permanent military liaison

5 Priority Recommendations

officers to state level planning authorities. (See Health and wellbeing in the age of climate change recommendations 18-23, p. 15-16.) 12. The Federal Government should develop and 9. The Federal Government should maintain implement a national strategy on climate and expand research into climate change change, health and well-being. This should focus and bushfires, including our changing fire on prevention and preparedness, recognising environment, effective landscape management, how climate change and bushfires affect the building and retrofitting options, and the environmental determinants of health; encourage performance of existing firefighting strategies and far stronger action to reduce greenhouse gas assets. This must include funding an appropriate emissions and minimise global heating; ensure national research body that incorporates end- the resilience of our health systems to climate user leadership. (See recommendations 2, p. 12; change; support Indigenous leadership and 9, p. 14; 37-38, p. 19; 62-64, p. 23; 75-78, p. 26; address the disproportionate effect of climate 103-104, p. 30; 156-160, p. 52.) change and bushfires on First Nations people. (See recommendation 66, p. 25.)

Managing the landscape in the age of climate 13. Develop a program for mental wellbeing in change the face of climate change, including greater mental health support for firefighters and other 10. The Federal, State and Territory Governments, emergency responders; simplified access to in partnership with relevant agencies and local appropriate mental health services for fire governments, should ensure a more integrated affected communities; encouraging community and long-term approach to landscape members to be actively involved in disaster management and hazard reduction that includes recovery efforts; ensuring psychosocial recovery substantial and long-term resourcing of forestry measures are put in place for up to five years and national parks agencies; year-round following a disaster; supporting individuals and Indigenous-led cultural and fire management communities in understanding how climate programs; enables cross-tenure collaboration; change affects them, how they can prepare, supports community-led initiatives; uses and how to manage fear and anxiety. (See common metrics; phases out native logging; recommendations 71-74, p. 26; 116, p. 36.) and protects biodiversity and carbon sinks. (See recommendations 7, p. 13-14; 122, p. 38.) A resilient, sustainable and community-led 11. The Federal Government should coordinate the recovery development of an Indigenous-led National Cultural Fire Strategy focused on empowering 14. The Federal, State and Territory Governments and expanding Indigenous-led fire knowledge should increase support to people and and practice and supporting Indigenous communities to build resilience, prepare, communities with climate change, bushfire and respond and recover from bushfires. (See disaster resilience. (See recommendation 5, p. 13.) recommendations 136-143, p. 48-50.)

6 Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

15. Ensure the principle of building back better 19. Take practical steps to increase the affordability is central to recovery efforts across Federal, and uptake of insurance for properties in disaster State and Territory and local governments, prone areas, recognising that this is a key factor including harnessing opportunities for local in community resilience. This should include economic development and community resilience establishing an independent insurance price through renewable energy investments. (See monitor, a national public information campaign, recommendations 127-129, p. 40-41.) and conducting a comprehensive review of the impact of climate change on the provision of 16. Enable a community-led approach to disaster insurance. (See recommendations 96-102, p. 29; risk reduction and disaster recovery efforts, 161-165, p. 52-53.) including through a strategic level plan for community engagement; encouraging community 20. Establish a national climate disaster fund, members to be actively involved in the design dedicated to meeting the increasing cost of and implementation of programs; listening to local climate-fuelled disasters, with money raised needs and recognising local strengths; identifying through a levy on fossil fuel producers. (See and empowering community leaders who can recommendation 132, p. 41.) lead the recovery; and empowering communities through locally-specific, actionable, and easily 21. Ensure better coordination and resourcing accessible information. (See recommendations of wildlife recovery efforts, while recognising 120-121, p. 38.) that ecosystems and wildlife are already being pushed beyond their ability to adapt, and that the 17. Greater recognition of, engagement with, immense scale of losses demands urgent action and support for the role of Community Sector to reduce emissions. (See recommendation 123, Organisations, especially local and place- p. 39.) based, in supporting people and communities to build resilience, prepare, respond and 22. Review and update Australian standards on recover from disasters such as bushfires. (See building in bushfire prone areas (AS3959), recommendations 146-150, p. 50-51.) including home sprinklers and bunkers and maximum fire danger indices, andinvest more in 18. Streamline and integrate disaster recovery community fire refuges. (See recommendation payment processes so that help gets to people 24, p. 16.) on the ground quickly. People should be able to access all levels of government assistance and other assistance through a single, simplified application. (See recommendation 113, p. 31.)

7

Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

List of Summit Participants

Prof Nerilie Abram, ANU ARC Bob Conroy, Emergency Leaders Stuart Glover, Salvation Army Centre for Climate Extremes / for Climate Action (Former Fire Dr Cassandra Goldie, ACOSS Australian Meteorological and Manager, NSW National Parks and Jenny Goldie, Climate Action Oceanographic Society Wildlife Service) Monaro Fiona Armstrong, Climate and Oliver Costello, Firesticks Alliance Darren Grover, WWF Australia Health Alliance Anne Crestani, Gateway Family Dr Turlough Guerin, AG Institute Anna Back, NCOSS Services Australia Nick Banks, Red Cross Kristyn Crossfield, Reveille Dr Michelle Hamrosi, Australian Pablo Bateson, City of Ryde Helen David, Small Business Parents for Climate Action Financial Counselling Jenni Beetson-Mortim, Northern Dr Scott Hanson-Easey, University Rivers Community Gateway Emma Dawson, Per Capita of Adelaide Nigel Bell, Australian Institute of Assoc Prof Peter Davies, Greg Hebble, Foodbank Architects Macquarie University Robert Henderson, former chief Nicholas Biddle, ANU Centre for Jo Dodds, Bushfire Survivors for economist at NAB Social Research and Methods / Climate Action Tina Hogarth-Clarke, Council of ANU Policy Experiments Lab Dr Grahame Douglas, National the Ageing Victoria Cr Elly Bird, Lismore City Council Parks Association of NSW / Western Peter Holding AFSM, Farmers for University Dr Simon Bradshaw, Climate Climate Action / Climate Kelpie Council Leighton Drury, Fire Brigade Chiara Holgate, Australian Employees Union Jo Brown, Glenelg Southern Meteorological and Oceanographic Grampians Primary Care Gavin Dufty, St Vincent de Paul Society Partnership Major General Peter Dunn AO (ret), Prof Lesley Hughes, Climate David Bryant, Brotherhood of St Emergency Leaders for Climate Councillor Lawrence Action (Former Commissioner, ACT Dr Arnagretta Hunter, ANU Emergency Services Authority) Mike Brown AM AFSM, Medical School Emergency Leaders for Climate Cheryl Durrant, Climate Councillor Lee Johnson AFSM, Emergency Action (Former Chief Fire Officer, Cr Amanda Findley, Shoalhaven Leaders for Climate Action (Former ) City Council Commissioner, Queensland Fire Jonty-Jack Bruce Dr Angela Frimberger and Emergency Services; Board Jim Casey, Australian Firefighters Joshua Gani, Salvation Army Member, Bushfire and Natural Climate Alliance Hazards Cooperative Research Prof Lisa Gibbs, University of Centre) Denise Cauchi OAM, Doctors for the Environment Australia Cr Dominic King, Bellingen Shire Brian Gilligan, Emergency Leaders Council Kellie Caught, ACOSS for Climate Action (Former Director Dr Kate Charlesworth, Climate General, NSW Parks and Wildlife Emma King, VCOSS Councillor Service) Jenny Kitchin, Woden Community Andrew Coghlan, Red Cross Andrew Gissing, Risk Frontiers Services Wendy Cohen, Farmers for Dr Robert Glasser, ANU Climate Action

9 Participant List

Craig Lapsley PSM, Emergency Russell Rees AFSM, Emergency Alliance Leaders for Climate Action Leaders for Climate Action (Former Dr Bob Vickers, Doctors for the (Former Emergency Management Chief Fire Officer, Country Fire Environment Australia Commissioner, Victoria) Authority Victoria) Assoc Prof Michelle Villeneuve, Amanda Lamont, Australasian Dr Martin Rice, Climate Council Centre for Disability Research and Women in Emergencies Network Anthony Saunders, Envirosure Policy, University of Sydney Ben Latham, VCOSS Dr Samantha Lloyd, Queensland Prof Iain Walker, ANU Bronwyn Lay, Jesuit Social Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, Craig Welden, Queensland Fire Services Healthy Land and Water and Biodiversity Consortium, Dr Kim Loo, Doctors for Collin Sivalingum, Red Cross Healthy Land and Water Environment Australia Nicky Sloan, Community Industry Tracie Lund, Morwell Group (A number of additional participants were unable to be listed publicly.) Neighbourhood House Jim Smith AFSM, Emergency Madi Maclean, Blue Mountains Leaders for Climate Action (Former Conservation Society Deputy Commissioner, Fire and Karl Mallon, Climate Risk Rescue NSW) Kathryn Maxwell, South Coast Cr Carol Sparks, Glen Innes Severn Health and Sustainability Alliance Council Amanda McKenzie, Climate Council Prof Will Steffen, Climate Councillor Dr Kathryn McLachlan, Macquarie Victor Steffensen, Mulong University Damian Sullivan, Brotherhood of St Kathy Mickan, SACOSS Lawrence Wendy Miller, QCOSS Steve Sutton, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Chief John Mikelsons, ACOSS Officer, Bushfires NT) Sam Mostyn, Climate Council Bridget Tehan, VCOSS Director David Templeman, Emergency Greg Mullins AO, AFSM, Leaders for Climate Action (Former Emergency Leaders for Climate Director General, Emergency Action (Former Commissioner, Fire Management Australia) and Rescue NSW) Adrian Terranova, Kris Newton, Mountains Disability Advocacy Community Resource Network Major Michael Thomas (ret), The Alix Pearce, Climate Council Center for Climate and Security Mark Pearce, Volunteering Ken Thompson AFSM, Emergency Australia Leaders for Climate Action (Former Sarah Pennell, Foodbank Deputy Commissioner, NSW Fire Ken Pimlott, former , Brigades) California Department of Forestry Vivien Thomson AFSM FARLF, and Fire Protection (CalFire) Australian Firefighters Climate

10 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 11 must be thehighest priority. from theburning ofcoal,oilandgas Addressing greenhouse gasemissions tomorrow. and today of challenges the for unprepared are we showed and relief, stark into crisis climate the of reality terrifying the brought fires Summer Black The Crisis Fuelled by Climate Change A National Response to the Bushfire Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE, 10 JUNE 2020 JUNE 10 ONE, ROUNDTABLE EXPERT to landscape management and firefighting. approaches toimprove how at looked and needs, resourcing and training of range wide a explored fires, of nature changing the on science latest the of stock took roundtable The response. national now face and put forward recommendations for a comprehensive we challenge the of nature and scale the 2020 explored Summit Climate and Bushfire National the in Roundtable Expert first This crisis. climate the totackle action stronger for need the all above and efforts, firefighting and mitigation risk bushfire of resourcing greater for need the coordination, and The summer of crisis exposed deficiencies in nationalleadership Expert Roundtable One

RECOMMENDATIONS

Part 1: Climate change and the changing nature of fires

We are rapidly moving to a climate outside the range 3. Undertake a comprehensive assessment of of human experience. This is driving an increase in the the cost of bushfires and fire management, frequency and severity of extreme events and disasters incorporating economic losses, costs to physical including out-of-scale bushfires. and mental health, damage to ecosystems, and the need to expand resources for fire Addressing greenhouse gas emissions from the services and land management agencies. (The burning of coal, oil and gas must therefore be the roundtable noted that there is currently no single highest priority because changes in our climate source for such information, and that a broad are increasing the bushfire threat and reducing the lens is necessary to understand the full cost of effectiveness of current hazard reduction strategies. bushfires and the risks that Australia faces.) This We should: assessment will be an important aid to public education and advocacy on the escalating 1. Substantially strengthen efforts from all levels danger of bushfires and towards stronger action of government, the private sector and the on climate change. community, towards curbing greenhouse gas emissions. This should include a national 4. Harness the influence of firefighters, health commitment to net zero emissions; strengthening practitioners and other trusted voices on climate near-term (2030) emissions reduction targets; change and how it is affecting our communities. accelerating the decarbonisation of all sectors of the economy; and an end to new fossil fuel developments and phase-out of existing projects over the next two decades.

2. Continue to support basic and applied research across the natural and social sciences on bushfires and climate change. (The roundtable noted the essential work of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre and the importance of maintaining a targeted national research capability with end-user input.)

12 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 13 5. research capability. We should: astrong by backed is and communities, empowers Indigenous leadership, efforts, agency existing supports that scale landscape at approach tenure year-round through a long-term, reduction and cross- hazard enhance and toincrease work also must we priority, highest the is change climate of cause root the landscape management approaches. While tackling fire and existing seasons will increasingly overwhelm bushfire of duration and scale intensity, increasing The cultural andprescribedburning) age ofclimatechange(fuelmanagement, Part 2:Landscape managementinthe Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan RECOMMENDATIONS c. b. a. to: agencies) parks national management workforces and (forest budgets and fire firemanagement and and existing land expansion of in and investment Indigenous The Government should Federal ensure Wildlife. and Parks National as such agencies existing around based be could This country. that for time right fire, right of consideration more landscape management measures, enabling through reduction risk in specialists are who workforce full-time ayear-round, Build burning practices. communities and agencies cultural about capableholders of leading and educating Include more Aboriginal knowledge- round. year all scales landscape at tenure public and management programs delivered on private cultural fireof and land Indigenous-led immediate and resourcing long-term resilience. This should occur alongside disaster natural and bushfire change, climate with Communities Indigenous to support fire knowledge and practice Indigenous-led empowering on focused Strategy Fire Cultural National Develop an Indigenous-led 6. 7.

d. e. d. c. b. a. appropriate, implemented and resourced: where and reviewed tobe need following the to limited not but including strategies of A range change. climate by created environment threat options that recognisereduction the worsening risk new) and (old integrated of arange and geography, weathertypes, and fire regimes), various landscape needs (including vegetation more integrated of and understanding strategic abetter, requires This reduction. hazard Increase b. a. on: based toplanning approach an Develop new and emerging risks. workforces around climate change impacts, Educate fire and land managementagency land, particularly for cultural burning. land, particularly owned privately on fuels tomanage burden administrative and regulatory in Reduction communities. Indigenous into introduced be can or exists Resourcing of cultural burning where capacity paths. fire known across burns Strategic fuel loads and types. modify permanently Regular burning near communities to breaks”). (“fire assets near reduction fuel Mechanical system needs. system to responsive and flexible more are that Cross-tenure integrated planning frameworks public and landholdings). private both spanning (i.e. collaboration Cross-tenure Expert Roundtable One

c. Eliminating barriers to evidence-based and managing bushfire risk, and their shared landscape-scale fire management. At present responsibility to prepare and maintain their this is hindered by agency, property or local environment. tenure-based zoning. d. Focussing on reducing fire risk on private d. Development of risk reduction metrics land through incentives, reduction of for common adoption across state-based regulation of burning where appropriate, and, fire and land management agencies that where necessary, enforcing fuel reduction incorporate identified and predicted changes requirements. in risk associated with climate change. (For example, areas previously at low risk, such as e. Research into existing successful community rainforests, are now at higher risk). programs to identify opportunities for expansion. e. Longer timeframes over which a landscape is managed. Management objectives should 9. Expand research into the range of techniques be developed to encompass short, medium, available and potentially available to aid in and long-term objectives (looking forward for assessing and managing fire risk: years and decades, not weeks and months). a. There is a critical need, as climate change f. Alignment of risk management of public and impacts worsen and accelerate, to have a private land by empowering communities to focussed research capability that partners engage and to provide input into plans. with front-line landscape management, fire and emergency service practitioners. g. Giving priority to annual pre-season Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and preparedness programs to identify and, as far Climate Council welcomed the announcement as possible, eliminate or manage risks, with on 23 July 2020 of new funding for the particular priority given to fire risks on private Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative land (usually the greatest source of radiant Research Centre, and its transition to a new heat and embers closest to structures). research centre for natural hazard resilience and disaster risk reduction as a worthwhile h. A national and common approach to starting point. identifying bushfire prone lands and bushfire management zones. b. Increased funding for the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO to enable partnering 8. Focus on community engagement and with state and territory government agencies empowerment, including: and Emergency Management Australia (or a new national coordination agency) while a. Research into community understanding, expanding predictive services as a basis for capacity and willingness to be involved in risk short, medium, and long-term planning. assessments and fire risk management so that investment can be well targeted.

b. Provision of data and information to potentially reset expectations about fire in the future, including survivability of people and assets.

c. Resourcing an expansion of activities by fire agencies to directly engage and educate local communities about their role in understanding

14 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 15 14. 13. 12. 11. 10. should adequately resource so that they can: services fire danger. Federal, State and Governments Territory catastrophic and extreme severe, of days on especially ways of and detecting rapidly responding to bushfires, innovative and new adopt we that demands bushfires increasingthe frequency, of number and intensity gas emissions and through landscape management, risk of worsening firesthrough reducing greenhouse the to reduce taken be must efforts possible all that recognising While change. toclimate due past the in Bushfire areconditions alreadymore dangerousthan Early detection,warningandintervention fires underclimatechange Part 3:Dealingwithmoredangerous Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan RECOMMENDATIONS

and Telstra. and Radio Local toABC limited not but including enhancement of communications, emergency andProvide funding for additional support the of strikes. satellite lightning detection enhance and detection including forecasting, to Australia Geoscience and Meteorology of Provide adequate resourcing for Bureau the informationcommunity and warning systems. into notifications detection early Integrate community. tothe information ongoing and early provide and firefighters toassist information comprehensive provide to and other inputs landscape characteristics weather information, live localised tracking, movement fire real-time with coupled be can This intelligence, systems. and decision-making operational modelling, topredictive input aprimary as system detection early Integrate telecommunication, access and bridges roads. water, including electricity, infrastructure areas; interface areas critical and peri-urban high risk areas, including: populated densely on focus particular with fires, of detection early for sensors of network automated an Establish 17. 16. 15. 18. capabilities. tailored specific, of arange with together experience of adepth have and needs local management agencies. need These to capabilities suit emergency territory and state of role the usurping without manner coordinated more in a bushfires, as such that need tocapabilities during be emergencies, utilised support vital has (ADF) Force Defence Australian The responding tobushfires National SecurityandtheroleofDefencein

and local considerations. change, in and resourcing factor requirements climate of aresult as future the in and now faced being risks greater the of understanding an on based be must This purpose. for fit are tactics determine and if prevailing current arrangements to services fire existing of areview Undertake aircraft. wing fixed and rotary both of capability aircraft bombing water vision anight Establish the nation. across located aircraft bombing water of types resources, and will require and additional different other in calling before investigate to unit fire local a dispatching first of method traditional the replace would This danger. fire catastrophic and extreme severe, high, very of days on fires to response automatic and immediate an are crews firefighting ground and aircraft bombing water of deployment that such procedures attack initial and response rapid Modify resources agencies with across all portfolio prioritising for basis aclear provide and gaps current capability shouldStrategy identify Theother environmental Security risks. National and toclimate priority appropriate give and security; economic and water, health food, of inclusive security of framing abroader provide should Strategy Security National The Strategy. Government should develop a Security National Expert Roundtable One

security responsibilities under the expanded 25. Review and enhance guidelines for retrofitting framing. In addition to Defence, Home Affairs, and buildings in bushfire areas. (The roundtable noted other traditional security agencies this should that existing housing stock provides particular include agencies with science, education, social, challenges and that it is important to offer economic, health and agriculture responsibilities. incentives.)

19. Consider making Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) a greater focus for Defence Reserve Forces, including necessary training. Noting the finite capacity of Defence Reserve Forces and the need to avoid overstretching.

20. Ensure Defence has the ability to accurately forecast, capture and recover the fully burdened cost of HADR operations, and that Defence has a budget line for domestic HADR training and exercising.

21. Undertake major exercises for domestic disaster response, especially in the south and south east of Australia, to ensure that Defence is better integrated and prepared to work with all levels of emergency services.

22. Review the adequacy of Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) provisions with the aim of ensuring that local commanders have the required flexibility and authority to assign forces at local and state levels.

23. Appoint permanent military liaison officers to state level planning authorities.

Upgrading standards and guidelines

It is critical that Australia’s standards and planning regulations reflect the escalating bushfire threat driven by climate change.

24. Review and rewrite Australian standards on building in bushfire prone areas (AS3959), increasing maximum fire danger indices, and include home bushfire sprinklers and bunkers with a view to maximising public safety, ensuring the standards can be more easily used and applied, and ensuring the standards are widely adopted. Other approaches such as community fire refuges need to be investigated.

16 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 17 28. 27. 26. We should: conditions. future and current with cope tobetter ability toour fundamental be will systems, national efficient establishes and one, as to work sharing of information and resources, enables agencies facilitates that approach community-centred A national, Common standards,systemsandapproaches Part 4:Nationalcoordination Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan RECOMMENDATIONS members tomembers make informed decisions. community support and tailored be should website, and social media channels. Information This should include a national standard app, trajectory. and behaviour likely their and started have fires where –on possible as time to real close as –in community the from information collecting and with information to sharing approach national aconsistent Develop access to different groups. of level appropriate the toprovide set be may intelligence.learning and artificial Permissions machine and utilise simple user interfaces, and clear have should lake data supporting The resources. or sharing the in to assist organisations and non-government sector private councils, the including services, emergency be accessed by all and planners responders, can that resources of system online national integrated an of part be should COP national The tonational. local the from levels, all at making decision joined-up and territories, and states across coordination This will enable greater collaboration and resourcesavailable to all managers. emergency operational planning, and information on modelling, awareness, predictive situational intelligence, providing aplatform (COP): anational Develop Common Operating Picture Common Operating 33. 32. 31. 30. 29.

these concerns.) of some address may which system rating danger fire anew of development the noted roundtable (The change. climate in tofactor FFDI the update and jurisdictions, across applied is (FFDI) Index Danger Fire Forest the how in anomalies Remove firefightingagencies. between resources to aid sharing and compatibility tostandardising aview with and resources, available of abaseline toestablish contracts and equipment of stocktake anational Undertake resources to and states territories earlier. toallocate Government Federal the to enabling aview with (COMDISPLAN) 2017 Plan Response Review Government Disaster Australian the over borders. interoperability and state territory communications to provide and transparency an overarching forEstablish architecture radio information. public-facing for protocols symbology, and data publishing collection for standards commonEstablish terminology, Expert Roundtable One

National leadership and enhancing cooperation between Federal, State and Territory Governments

There is a need for new legislation that provides a clear role, accountability and responsibility for the Federal Government to provide leadership and to partner with states and territories during the prevention, preparation, response, and recovery phases of a national disaster or emergency. The legislation should:

34. Include clear triggers for when the Federal Government is required to assist in disaster preparedness and response, such as when a disaster has the potential or is impacting more than one state or territory.

35. Support the establishment of a national disaster management agency, or enhancement of Emergency Management Australia, tasked with developing national disaster and emergency management policy and standards, helping to manage strategic national firefighting assets, helping to coordinate the sharing of resources between states and territories and internationally, and with the authority to coordinate and allocate appropriate Federal resources as required.

36. Support the establishment of a national disaster resilience agency, tasked with advancing national disaster resilience, monitoring national hazard reduction metrics, climate change adaptation, and other mitigation, prevention and preparedness measures, and assisting with major recovery efforts.

18 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 41. 40. 39. 38. 19 37. We should: level. national the to local the from partnerships inclusive and innovative requires new in investment research, and calls for place new demands on building, training and capacity The worsening fire drivenconditions by climate change building andcommunityinclusion Part 5:Research, training,capacity Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan RECOMMENDATIONS

agencies. territory and state by delivered then training with developed training by the Federal Government, for standard anational having by reduced organisation (RTO) compliance. This can be are taken up in ensuring registered training training towards put be otherwise could that and Recognise resources that significant effort which they are accustomed. are they which to that than environments different very in and longer for fires tofight deployed being are who Recognise increasing the demands on volunteers, managementemergency doctrine. including basing training on a common organisations engaged in disaster response, of cultures across various the agencies and of roles and responsibilities, and alignment Work towards common language, understanding good examples.)good as Australia Living of Atlas and of Meteorology noted roundtable processes. Bureau the (The and systems and considerusers, practice best could determine identify data essential sets, Areview data. relevant nationally of sharing and curation management, collection, standardised ensure to service data fire anational Establish possible. as effectively as together work to shareand services emergency and knowledge and touniformly taught, of enhance fire ability the are practices and knowledge new to ensure a national fireEstablish and academy emergency 46. 45. 44. 43. 42.

communities. affected bushfire in officers support community fund and pilot territories, and states Through communities.) with ingovernments forming inclusive partnerships local of role valuable the noted roundtable (The be resourced. adequately must Such initiatives mental health. resiliencecommunity and supports noting that this increasesmanagement strategies, in shaping and implementingparticipants bushfire shouldmembers be encouraged to be active and worsening bushfireCommunity conditions. change toclimate toadapt measures all guiding akey principle is inclusion community Ensure and Communications. Transport, RegionalInfrastructure, Development of and Department the and Media Authority Communications Australian the by led be should communications are disrupted by This disasters. to provide remote area when internet capability of DefenceIncrease capacity the and other actors materials. training climate change through forums courses, and fire cultural burning, management, ecology and of firetheir understanding landscape-level todevelop landholders, private as well as and fireland management services agencies, of volunteers and staff for opportunities Provide includingmanagement, planned burning. fire active implement to confidence and skills values and agriculture. This includes building the cultural protection, fire biodiversity management, including priorities of arange tobalance need and more challenging noting conditions, the in landholders private preparing forSupport new Expert Roundtable One

47. Encourage the formation and resourcing of more community fire units in the urban-bushland interface, and development of a suitable empowerment and equipment program for rural communities.

48. Consider new options to support volunteers, who face longer and more challenging deployments due to the impacts of climate change.

ENDORSED BY

Prof Nerilie Abram, ANU ARC Centre for Climate Craig Lapsley PSM, Emergency Leaders for Extremes / Australian Meteorological and Climate Action (Former Emergency Management Oceanographic Society Commissioner, Victoria) Nigel Bell, Australian Institute of Architects Amanda Lamont, Australasian Women in Dr Simon Bradshaw, Climate Council Emergencies Network Mike Brown AM AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Greg Mullins AO, AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Chief Fire Officer, Tasmania Climate Action (Former Commissioner, Fire and Fire Service) Rescue NSW) Jim Casey, Australian Firefighters Climate Alliance Dr Samantha Lloyd, Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, Healthy Land and Water Dr Kate Charlesworth, Climate Councillor Alix Pearce, Climate Council Bob Conroy, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Fire Manager, NSW National Parks and Russell Rees AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Wildlife Service) Climate Action (Former Chief Fire Officer, Victoria) Oliver Costello, Firesticks Alliance Dr Martin Rice, Climate Council Jo Dodds, Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action Victor Steffensen, Mulong Major General Peter Dunn AO (ret), Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Commissioner, Steve Sutton, Emergency Leaders for Climate ACT Emergency Services Authority) Action (Former Chief Fire Control Officer, Bushfires NT) Cheryl Durrant, Climate Councillor David Templeman, Emergency Leaders for Climate Brian Gilligan, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Director General, Emergency Action (Former Director General, NSW Parks and Management Australia) Wildlife Service) Major Michael Thomas (ret), The Center for Climate Dr Robert Glasser, ANU and Security Darren Grover, WWF Australia Ken Thompson AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Lee Johnson AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Deputy Commissioner, NSW Climate Action (Former Commissioner, Queensland Fire Brigades) Fire and Emergency Services; Board Member, Vivien Thomson AFSM FARLF, Australian Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Firefighters Climate Alliance Research Centre) Craig Welden, Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, Healthy Land and Water

20 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 21 challenges, pilingone disasterupon another. come ontop of prolongeddroughtand other unprecedented bushfireshasinmany places The stressandtraumaof recent Australians. all of wellbeing mental and physical the in and ecosystems, critical of decimation homes, and life of loss the in measured being climate change is increasingly by fuelled bushfires of cost The Fuelled by Climate Change The Cost of Bushfires Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO, 3 JUNE 2020 3JUNE TWO, ROUNDTABLE EXPERT most vulnerable members of members vulnerable ourmost community. tothe attention particular paying and behind one no leaving on resilience, and ensuring affordable insurance.The solutions focus and wellbeing in face the of climate change, community building expandingstrategies firefighting capabilities, for promoting health includingsolutions greater in investment bushfirerisk mitigation, practical of range a proposed and danger, fire future of projections and fires Summer Black the of cost the of 2020 stock took Summit Climate and Bushfire National the in Roundtable Expert second The other groups. communities, people on low incomes, young people, and many people, Nations by regionaldisproportionately First and rural borne being are impacts its all, us affects crisis climate the While Expert Roundtable Two

RECOMMENDATIONS

Part 1: Federal, state and territory funding for firefighting resources (including forestry, national parks and fire services and disaster funding mechanisms)

Today’s reality of escalating bushfire risk fuelled as well as specialised response capabilities by climate change demands substantial additional including rapid detection, appropriate fast attack investments in both bushfire risk mitigation and fire aircraft, and remote area fire crews available for control capabilities. Resourcing should be based on immediate dispatch. a holistic view of managing fire that encompasses landscape management as well as firefighting, and 53. Ensure that increases to reserved areas by breaks down silos between agencies. A joined-up governments are accompanied by proportionate approach from the national to the community level, and a increases in resources for effective landscape rebalancing in the priority given to risk mitigation versus management including fire mitigation. response, including greater emphasis on effective management of both public and private land, is essential. 54. Increase funding for volunteer recruitment, training (including volunteer leadership), and Fundamentally, reducing the cost of bushfires, and retention programs. providing any hope of being able to adapt to our changing climate, depends above all on stronger action to tackle the root cause of climate change by rapidly Expanding aerial firefighting capability and deeply reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 55. The Federal Government should:

Investing in bushfire risk mitigation and resilience a. Increase the funding available for more aircraft to enable rapid detection and rapid 49. Ensure that more people are resourced at the attack strategies. This should include rotary local level for both bushfire risk mitigation and and fixed wing aircraft of small, medium bushfire response, including more firefighters. and large size, including amphibious water- This should be across all agencies and reduce scooping aircraft. the impost on volunteers. b. Develop a self-sufficient aerial firefighting 50. Increase Federal, State and Territory funding for capability in Australia. This is important given firefighting across all asset types and all areas the increasing overlap of fire seasons between (forests, grasslands and built environment). the northern and southern hemispheres, restricting access to medium, large, and 51. Recognise that the increasing size, intensity very large water bombing aircraft. This will and frequency of major bushfires has serious help to develop innovative businesses and ecological impacts on flora and fauna and the opportunities as additional benefits. ability of forests to draw down carbon dioxide. Governments need to urgently review and phase 56. Funding for the training of local pilots to fly out the logging and clearing of native forests, firefighting aircraft should be increased, to in order to preserve increasingly threatened reduce reliance on assets and personnel habitats, natural values, and vital carbon sinks. from the northern hemisphere which may be increasingly unavailable. 52. Increase resources available to fire services and land management agencies to conduct bushfire risk mitigation and community education,

22 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 61. 60. 23 59. 58. 57. Investing inCommunityEngagementStrategies Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

develop plans in isolation, or to have no plans. no tohave or isolation, in plans develop government than agencies, continuing rather to relationships private landowners between and positive of fostering the and daunting, be such which as can otherwise prescribed burning, enabling a group approach actions to on-ground management plans forcollective their properties, tocreate together work members community which in workshops through property private on risks manage tobetter communities Empower work. bushfire riskmitigation of undertaking benefits and communities on costs requirements, the to training and information of provision Expand other bushfire risk mitigation strategies. other bushfire risk mitigation communities on landscape management and engagement with effective demonstrate for example Indigenous that corporations, organisations, tonon-government as well as management agencies forengagement, community Increase funding to fire services and land land and services tofire funding Increase prevention, preparation and response services. are resourced insufficiently services to deliver response,whole of community and emergency climate change requires a whole of government, by driven risk bushfire Increased Consortium. Biodiversity and Fire Queensland the and units, fire community NSW, in program Hotspots the as such response, bushfire and mitigation engagementcommunity on bushfirerisk for strategies greaterPursue new practical thesuffering in community. and pain impacts, reduce can and occurs, fire amajor after response on spent money than impact positive greater afar has usually event toan prior programs mitigation proactive on spent money that factor, aguiding as Recognise, 64. 63. 62. risks andstrategiesfordealingwiththem Investing inresearchtobetterunderstandfuture

Excellence for Prescribed Burning. of Centre the in investment continued Ensure Canada. and USA the Europe, in used toapproaches compared Australia, in used assets and strategies firefighting aerial existing of effectiveness the of evaluation an Undertake environment. threat fire and climate changing rapidly our on inEnsure research investment national continuing

COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 25 65. climate andhealthcrisis A national,proactiveapproachtotacklingthe address we these compounding require: disasters, challenges, piling one disaster upon another. To other and drought prolonged of top on come places many in has bushfires unprecedented recent of The conditions. health andunderlying stress trauma less access to healthcare and higher prevalence of with perspective, ahealth from disadvantaged already often are change climate and bushfires by The rural and remote impacted communities most change. climate on action smart through resilience community and wellbeing health, better for preparedness, and maximising many the opportunities prevention, on tofocussing happen, they when disasters climate of impacts health the with mainly dealing from needed: urgently is health and change climate towards approach and mindset dominant the in Ashift crisis. health apublic also is crisis climate The bushfires andclimatechange Part 2:Thehealthcostsof Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan RECOMMENDATIONS work together across jurisdictions.) to awillingness and science on based decisions saw which pandemic, COVID-19 tothe response Australia’s from taken be could lessons important roundtable notedenhanced that as (The needed. further regularly monitored, and strategy the be must strategy this of impact The avoided. be longer no can that impacts the for preparing while crisis, climate the of causes root the addressing action coordinated and swift through harms future tominimise aim must strategy The and relevant community.local), the ministries, and state (national, jurisdictions all from input with andgovernment, is developed collaboratively of whole the spans science, on based is that strategy well-being and health change, Develop and implement a national climate 69. 68. 67. 66.

caregivers during planning. caregivers emergency parent(s)/ their for support and infants for compromised, and ensure special consideration being feeding of risks and hazards environmental during emergencies, including exposure to of infants Recognise vulnerability the Principal Committee (AHPPC) is vital. (AHPPC) Principal Committee Protection Health Australian the and committees disaster management on and state territory and recovery planning through representation response disaster in nurses) and GPs (both healthcare professionalsinvolvement of primary overcoming metropolitan/regional The divides. and territories and states between coordination response health improved toensure measures include should This information. and data meteorological and climate by informed services, emergency and their with integration services health of coordination national better Ensure chains. and supply availability workforce to interruptions and equipment, infrastructure of destruction demand, service in surges for and planning risk assessments mandatory include should This care. quality safe of delivery continued the ensure and change climate ofdesigned to minimise impacts health the Standards, (NSQHS) Service Health Quality and Safety National tothe addition an including standards, performance health national into risks health we incorporate climate-related must To ensure are our systems climate health resilient, response. disaster toimprove and resilience tocommunity disasters, climate-related toboost aim should It change. climate of costs health ofdeterminants and health long-term the of social the andunderstanding environmental athorough on based be should This response. of an overarching climate national change plank acentral be must well-being and health and change climate on strategy national The Expert Roundtable Two

70. Recognise and build upon the work of Climate 73. Provide training to recovery service providers in and Health Alliance, Doctors for the Environment, recognising and addressing key risk factors for Beyond Blue and other organisations in poor mental health outcomes including living in addressing the impacts of climate change on a heavily impacted community, fear of dying at physical and mental health. the time of the disaster, loss of someone close (including friends and community members), separation from family members at the time of Promoting mental health and wellbeing the disaster, intense anger, living alone, and experience of major life stressors after the disaster. 71. Invest in measures to enhance social resilience and positive mental health in all communities to 74. Ensure psychosocial recovery measures are put help cope with the long emergency of climate in place for up to five years post-disaster. change. Denial of climate science, and inaction by decision-makers, is leading to increases in climate related anxiety and depression, so Research, monitoring and learning bolstering community resilience to maintain and build positive mental health across the 75. Recognise the disproportionate impact of climate whole community will limit negative impacts change and bushfires on First Nations people. on productivity and avoid escalation into more complex negative health and social outcomes. 76. Acknowledge and draw on the knowledge, strengths and resilience of First Nations people, 72. Ensure simplified and effective access to and ensure this is a key input to all strategies for appropriate mental health support to all those addressing climate change and health. affected by bushfires and other climate-related disasters, including through: 77. Expand investment in research into the impacts of bushfires and climate change on physical and a. Ensuring mental health screening and referral mental health and solutions to these challenges, to individual, social and community level including but not limited to: support services is available within affected communities for managing trauma, anger and a. The full range of health impacts and their the impact of major life stresses including loss interaction with underlying conditions. of income, change in accommodation and change in relationships. b. The economic costs, recognising that long-term stress and social impacts on b. Ensuring support is extended to those not communities can far exceed immediate costs. living in affected communities, such as people who were directly impacted by a disaster but c. The impacts, both physical and mental, upon had to relocate away from the community due firefighters. to loss of a home. 78. Expand investment in vulnerability mapping c. Helping individuals and communities to programs to identify vulnerable populations and navigate existing services, and to participate infrastructure to inform climate change adaptation in the development of new services as needs strategies, disaster risk reduction, and emergency change. response plans.

d. Offering greater mental health support to firefighters and other emergency responders, recognising that current arrangements are being overwhelmed.

26 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 27 84. 83. 82. 81. Creative approachestocommunityresilience 80. 79. Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

below.) 85-86 recommendations (see advice health be accompanied by enhanced of public systems This must on communities. minimise impact the to response rapid toenable heatwaves, as weather including such events health, extreme to threats related climate potential to identify in warning investment early systems Expand groups, in those areas. vulnerable of community, the particularly but members all on have will this effect profound the reducerapidly greenhouse gas emissions, and becoming if uninhabitable we do not and deeply Australia of areas some of risk the including of country, the parts change upon particular climate of impact disproportionate the Recognise wellbeing. and health tomental support post-disaster recreation as facilities an important and parks community of restoration Prioritise level. and community at individual the resilience in key are factors adisaster, following community, and social maintaining connections the within relationships strong that recognising groups,Encourage in investment community resilience. andmental health community individuals’ for benefits strong have can initiatives, involved in designing and actively implementing are members community which in recovery, approaches to disaster preparedness and disaster resilience.to community Community-led and inclusive approaches Encourage participatory relevant agencies. other and Health, of Department Meteorology, of theongoing Bureau between formal partnerships require adequate funding and resourcing, and will This risks. new for prepare and to anticipate climate), mapping, in order alongside vulnerability safe food, water, nutritious air, clean (clean health on environmental the of determinants reporting it to: provide comprehensive measurement and task and Strategy Wellbeing and Health Climate, andimplementation monitoring of the National tooversee agency existing an Nominate 87. 86. 85. Public informationandadvocacy

practice changes. practice and policy necessary for support of a foundation and pace of required and emissions reductions, scale the of acceptance an action, for narrative acompelling build help can crisis climate the and campaigns education onPublic health change. climate on action through build we can futures healthy and vibrant the toimagine and choices, policy today’s of understanding to adeeper This can help decision makers and public the change and the for imperative action. stronger and communicate climatewhich we understand through akey lens wellbeing and health Make related health risks. health related climate- on advice appropriate with community the and patients provide to staff healthcare Equip homes. workers, and communities, older and leakier prescribed smoke, burning including for outdoor and bushfire heavy of days for guidelines Ensure clear and consistent public health Expert Roundtable Two

RECOMMENDATIONS

Part 3: The insurance costs of bushfires and climate change

The global insurance sector has been reacting to 89. Establishment of a permanent independent climate risk for decades. The insurance community insurance price monitor within the Australian across Australia has a responsibility to take Competition and Consumer Commission, or as precautionary action to protect communities from a standalone entity based on NSW Emergency climate-fuelled disasters, including worsening bushfires. Services Levy Insurance Monitor. Insurance is a key factor in community resilience. 90. To identify and respond to areas of under- and non-insurance, there is also the need for a Enhancing data and information program to analyse and publish rates of fire coverage opt-outs, premium increases, lapsed 88. The Federal Government should: policies and non-payment of premiums, cash settlement. This program could be managed a. Commission national studies that map by the independent insurance price monitor, extreme weather risks including severe in recommendation 89. (The roundtable noted , flood and fire, including through that much of this information was collected by compiling existing data. The resulting maps the Insurance Council of Australia following the should be publicly available, and sufficiently 2019-2020 bushfires but that privacy issues have granular to allow for analysis by address. prevented the sharing of granular information.)

b. Develop and maintain a national property register that details the building standards that Coordination and Collaboration properties are built to. The register should be updated to reflect any upgrades and changes. 91. The mandate of the proposed national disaster resilience agency, which would drive c. In partnership with other agencies and and monitor the effectiveness all aspects organisations as appropriate, implement a of disaster preparedness and recovery (see national public information campaign designed recommendation 36 from Expert Roundtable 1), to help community members understand should include: their insurance policies and risks. (The roundtable noted that this would be very a. the impact of any mitigation work on the price challenging without the disclosure reforms in and availability of insurance, recommendation 94, below. Further, that there are limitations to the effectiveness of such b. the design, application and funding of any a campaign, in particular its ability to reach subsidies, some of the most vulnerable communities. The roundtable also encourages the Government c. the resulting take-up of suitable and to consult with the Insurance Council of affordable insurance cover. Australia’s Climate Change Action Committee.)

28 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 29 97. 96. Pricing, Affordability andUnderinsurance 95. 94. 93. 92. Regulation Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

high risk areas. in properties insuring by presented challenge tothe solutions possible tomap and insurance of provision the on change climate of impact the of review acomprehensive tocomplete groups State and Territory and consumer Governments Federal, as well as industry insurance the with panel shouldThe work independent expert of climateimpact change across risks Australia. the on focus abroader with but reviews, past of build on knowledge and existing the outcomes of climate change. This impacts must worsening the and difficulty financial of levels rising to the having regard in Australia, insurance affordability panel to an independent expert reviewEstablish change. building, and consider must risks from climate the of life the over purpose for fit is policy ensure must torelocate), option an or reinstatement full for provide must (i.e. standards tonew rebuilds all for adequate be must terms policy Standard and suitable. building insurancehome comparable, predictable tomake policies in key terms standardising modernising ‘standard the cover’ regime and Disclosure in Insurance, General including of review Treasury’s Federal the Progress locations. risk high in torent looking businesses and torenters disclosed are risks Ensure areas. development in high-risk further carefully designed so that it does not encourage and be must include subsidies and buy-outs, may This property. toasafer transition during cover adequate have individuals these that so locations risk high in and/or properties risk high in government and insurance companies, for people the by developed system, A transition 102. 101. 100. 99. 98.

insurance premiums. resilience measures are rewarded lower with in build/invest who people that so property, theof transparent reflection resilience theof and afair is pricing insurance that Ensure their about insurancetheir clients coverage. of currency,certificate and check regularly inwith a provide you if payment mortgage next your off adiscount as such insured, remain properties can alsolenders offer incentives to ensurethe Mortgage over period). auncertainties 30-year inevitable risk included (notwithstanding change climate with mortgage, the of life the for an insurance test, cost projection serviceability require, lenders must Mortgage of as the part investment. cover can throughrecover municipal action the councils that reduce or other actors insurance generates for landowners) private so that infrastructure public that value the all or some of recovery (the capture value of systems Support in areas living ofindividuals high climate risk.) to assist important is particularly transparency such that noted roundtable (The dispute. of event the in toconsumers available are inputs that transparent basis for and their ensure calculations, reduce underinsurance, ensure calculators have a This will help and other services. demolition, removal, debris as such costs include and risk, incorporate of modelling This must climate calculators. insured sum for astandard Develop abushfire. in damaged are properties after arise that issues toaddress help will This available. widely and attractive more insurance of type this insurance policies, and address these to make building replacement tototal barriers Explore Expert Roundtable Two

RECOMMENDATIONS

Part 4: Costs for bushfire affected communities and the organisations that support them

A very large number of Australians are directly exposed plan for reducing disaster risks and responding to escalating bushfire risks. Outdated planning regimes to disasters when they occur. Building trusting have allowed building in areas of very high risk, and relationships prior to a disaster is critical, as help retrofitting for greater safety or retreating to areas of will be required from trusted sources for a long lower risks can be challenging and costly. period. These community resilience hubs should receive an ongoing level of base funding, with The costs of bushfires are borne disproportionately additional funding available when needed to by regional and rural communities and will deepen respond to a situation. The hubs will provide: inequalities and entrench poverty. Volunteers face exhaustion and employment risks through longer a. A permanent and trusted facilitator who can deployments and more challenging conditions. link everyone together.

First and foremost, with climate change leading to ever b. Information on escalating bushfire and other greater fire dangers, reducing the cost upon vulnerable natural disaster risks, climate change, and communities means stronger national action to curb resilience strategies. greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, a raft of adaptation and resilience-building measures from c. A connection to relevant community and community resilience hubs to supporting people with governments services, and between retrofitting their homes are essential to addressing community and government services. mounting risks and vulnerabilities. d. Long-term support for communities before, during and after a disaster. Understanding what works 106. Support people to improve the safety of their 103. Fund research into the relative benefits and cost homes and reduce their insurance premiums effectiveness of different building and retrofitting through affordable retrofitting and other options and other strategies for preparing measures. properties, particularly AS3959. a. Establish incentives for making houses safe 104. Establish an appropriate national body to house and more resilient, including subsidies and this research and translate it into accessible rebates. guidance. b. Build greater awareness nationwide of retrofitting options. Building the resilience of our homes and communities 107. Provide stronger guidance, and if necessary, regulation, on areas where people should not 105. The Federal, State and Territory Governments build due to risk. should establish and fund community resilience hubs for every local government area in 108. Recognise and support the Regional Horizons vulnerable parts of the country. Having been vision, developed by Farmers for Climate Action, established in advance of disasters, such hubs for a resilient and prosperous future for regional will have already developed a community-led and rural Australia.

30 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 31 111. 110. 109. Supporting volunteers Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

income. of loss or / and hardship suffer and periods extended for deployed are who volunteers for explore of remuneration question the Further with increasingly challenging scenarios. with leadership skills and to decision-making cope strong require who officers, and controllers organisation,the including volunteer incident of top the at those particular in training, Expand volunteer efforts. for respect and of recognition greater towards measure concrete afirst as volunteers, by provided time the of accounting better Ensure 113. 112. Simplifying accesstosupport

been destroyed or they have been evacuated. been have they or destroyed been has property their if documentation requested toprovide unable be may people that aware be flexibility, minimise bureaucratic hurdles, and should exerciseAdministrators and leniency throughother assistance a single application. access all levels of government and assistance to able be should People quickly. ground the on topeople gets help that so processes Streamline and integrate government payment recovery centres and outreachmobile clinics. and opening of hours capacity the Expand Expert Roundtable Two

ENDORSED BY

Fiona Armstrong, Climate and Health Alliance Nigel Bell, Australian Institute of Architects Nicholas Biddle, ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods / ANU Policy Experiments Lab Dr Simon Bradshaw, Climate Council Mike Brown AM AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Chief Fire Officer, Tasmania Fire Service) Denise Cauchi OAM, Doctors for the Environment Australia Wendy Cohen, Farmers for Climate Action Helen David, Small Business Financial Counselling Emma Dawson, Per Capita Major General Peter Dunn AO (ret), Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Commissioner, ACT Emergency Services Authority) Linda Fienberg Robert Henderson, former chief economist at NAB Peter Holding AFSM, Farmers for Climate Action / Climate Kelpie Dr Arnagretta Hunter, ANU Medical School Lee Johnson AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Commissioner, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services; Board Member, Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre) Karl Mallon, Climate Risk Amanda McKenzie, Climate Council Sam Mostyn, Climate Council Director Greg Mullins AO, AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Commissioner, Fire and Rescue NSW) Alix Pearce, Climate Council Dr Martin Rice, Climate Council Anthony Saunders, Envirosure Jim Smith AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Deputy Commissioner, Fire and Rescue NSW) Ken Thompson AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Deputy Commissioner, NSW Fire Brigades) David Templeman, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Director General, Emergency Management Australia)

32 Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

CASE STUDY

Mount Barney Lodge

For two generations, the Larkin Despite its tourism drawcards, climate change has posed a continuous family has owned and operated threat to the future of the lodge and the Larkins’ livelihood. Mt Barney Lodge, an ecotourism retreat situated at the base of Climate impacts in the region range from bushfires to flooding, with Mount Barney within the Scenic tourism businesses including the Larkins having to close on several Rim on the Gold Coast, where occasions in the past five years due to extreme weather events. nearby attractions include mountain ranges, beautiful In September 2019, unprecedented fire conditions swept through rainforests, hidden waterfalls the Scenic Rim, sparking a fire in the mountain ranges. Lodge co- and hiking trails. owner Innes Larkin had never seen such intense fires before, nor experienced the level of concern shown by QPWS, RFS and Police.

As the fire raged on, thousands of hectares of World Heritage Listed forest was destroyed and large numbers of Queensland native wildlife, including , were killed. The Larkins evacuated their guests, and Innes stayed behind to defend their property.

The resulting loss of tourism income to the area was huge, only to be compounded by post-bushfire flooding, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The family had released “Barney Bonds” so that people could come back after the fires; but the COVID-19 lockdown, just days before they were due to reopen, hampered that and caused severe stress about the future of the business.

JobKeeper has been a “lifesaver” for the Larkins, and the Lodge has welcomed record visitor numbers since the lockdown lifted in early June. Innes Larkin chalks this down to more people seeking out the healing influence of nature after a long period of isolation.

The compounding disasters of the bushfires and COVID-19 have spurred the Larkin family to call for stronger climate action—they are lobbying their local council to declare a climate emergency, and starting conversations with guests about the importance of nature conservation.

The Larkin family has been resilient through multiple shocks, but are conscious that Queensland’s bushfire season is fast approaching again.

The family is anxiously watching for rain to keep the World Heritage forests’ moisture levels up. A reminder that even when COVID-19 passes, the need to urgently tackle climate change remains.

33 Case Study

34 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 35 and strengths ofour mostvulnerable. preparedness, andrecognisetheneeds ourselves towards preventionand These realitiesdemandthat wereorient communities. of strengths and needs leadership, experiences, the in grounded be must crisis bushfire and change climate the to response equitable and effective An Change inNSW Bushfires and Climate Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE, 7JULY ROUNDTABLE, 2020 COMMUNITY local to the national level. national tothe local the from change climate on action stronger driving in communities of role the on as well as adisaster, after and during before, communities andgovernments other agencies support can better led made recoveries. many recommendations Participants for how community- of examples inspiring as well as fires, Summer Black the from loss and trauma of stories confronting heard roundtable The crisis.) COVID-19 tothe due postponed was Victoria for planned roundtable similar (A for solutions learned, and buildingresilience. practical community they rebuild following Black the Summer fires,thetheylessons have as facing still are communities that challenges the through to talk and many others scientists bushfire leaders, survivors, community together 2020,brought Summit Climate and Bushfire National the inRoundtables twoplanned ofCommunity This roundtable, first the Community Roundtable

RECOMMENDATIONS

Part 1: Physical and mental health impacts of bushfires

The climate crisis is the number one long-term threat guide both communities and agencies in disaster to public health for communities in Australia and preparedness and response. This must be able worldwide. While no one is immune to the health to factor in compounding/cascading events, and impacts of bushfires and climate change, the impacts must be accompanied by public education on the are borne disproportionately by a number of especially increasing health risks associated with climate vulnerable groups, who may also have less ability to change. access healthcare. 116. Develop a program to promote mental wellbeing In addition to a large number of growing threats to in the face of climate change. This program should: physical health, bushfires and climate change also pose significant and growing challenges to mental health a. Support individuals and communities in and wellbeing. The Black Summer fires brought not just understanding how climate change affects days but weeks and months of constant stress and fear them, how they can prepare, and how to onto many communities, and came on top of a crippling manage fear and anxiety. drought – epitomising the increasing severity, duration and compounding nature of climate-related hazards. b. Provide tools and a safe space for emergency responders and community members to talk These realities demand that we reorient ourselves about mental health. towards prevention and preparedness, recognise the needs of our most vulnerable, increase the availability c. Support community resilience hubs, where of information on air quality and other environmental individuals can access appropriate support. determinants of health, and support innovative, (See recommendation 105 from Expert community-led approaches to promoting wellbeing and Roundtable 2). building resilience to the escalating health hazards from bushfires and climate change. d. Offer education on what to do during an emergency, recognising the common 114. All levels of Government should assist tendency to believe that the dangers will communities in improving health and wellbeing not affect you, or the reluctance to move if by shifting their focus towards prevention and responsible for animals. preparedness, rather than merely reacting to harms when they occur. This must be based on e. Offer mental health support to firefighters, recognition of how human health is dependent on including volunteers, recognising the a healthy environment, and a clear understanding increasing mental and emotional toil of of community needs. It should integrate bushfires fuelled by climate change. bottom-up (local community-led) and top- down approaches to enhancing individual and community resilience and wellbeing.

115. Ensure readily available, real-time and nationally consistent information and alerts on air quality, fires and other hazards. This should be integrated with other information services, including those of the Bureau of Meteorology, in order to provide dynamic and comprehensive information to

36 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 37 117. Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan 119. 118.

d. c. b. a. that: wellbeing programs for inclusive and community-driven adequately resourced, long-term, Support suitable placessuitable for elderly. the including bushfires, of risk high facing areas in refuges heatwave and bushfire more Fund already crisis. facing a health mental and groups are them, vulnerable the within communities, many that recognise must It health. mental on having is wildlife and bushland of areas large of loss that impact the including change, circumstances being experienced due to climate of new the and understanding threats an on based be must This communities. remote tosmall, services health mental Provide and adequately sustained resourced individuals and communities. individuals of health physical and mental the for activities shared such in involvement of benefits noting the demonstrable projects, community disaster recovery,management, and other Engage members in landscape community activities. relationship through building social Support Ensure adequate and facilities services. during an and event. after before, health mental promoting on Focus Community Roundtable

RECOMMENDATIONS

Part 2: Supporting communities to manage land and worsening fires, and to protect ecosystems and wildlife

The growing intensity and scale of bushfires and other 121. Empower communities through locally-specific, climate-fuelled disasters are already overwhelming actionable, and easily accessible information existing land management and wildlife recovery efforts. about climate change, bushfire risks, and The first priority is therefore to ensure all possible strategies for risk reduction and resilience. This efforts to tackle the root causes of the climate crisis in begins with listening to local needs, recognising order to minimise future harms. local strengths and capacities, and providing an accessible pathway for engagement. It requires a This must be accompanied by efforts to more paradigm shift from top-down approaches towards effectively manage land and protect ecosystems and locally-specific, community-led approaches. It may wildlife, in particular through greater government involve trialling a range of models of engagement support to community initiatives, and through fostering within communities, understanding what works, the understanding that our own safety and wellbeing is and then scaling up accordingly. dependent on the health of our ecosystems. 122. The Federal, State and Territory Governments, 120. Develop a strategic level plan for community in partnership with relevant agenda and local engagement in land management, risk reduction governments should ensure a new holistic vision and resilience building. This will ensure an for landscape management, based on a better overall vision at the Federal, State and Territory understanding of our connection to nature and Government level, identification of gaps, and dependence upon healthy ecosystems, and which: the integration of a range of new and existing initiatives into a coherent and comprehensive a. Addresses logging of native forest. plan that meets the needs of communities and maximises their capabilities. This strategic level b. Listens to Traditional Owners and supports plan should: Indigenous-led land management. (This should include, but not be limited to, a. Be adequately funded and resourced. increasing the number of Indigenous land and water rangers, recognising the opportunities b. Be driven by and enacted by communities. for good jobs on Country.)

c. Include metrics for its implementation at the c. Protects unburned areas and recognises district level. their role in the recovery of ecosystems and wildlife. d. Support communities in developing land management and risk reduction plans. This d. Protects ecosystems and wildlife in the face of may include supporting communities with future fire dangers. overcoming divisions and building consensus around desired approaches. e. Embraces the opportunities of regenerative agriculture. e. Support new and existing programs, as appropriate, including community fire units. f. Pays particular attention to risk management at the rural-urban interface.

38 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 39 124. 123. Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

COVID-19 crisis.) COVID-19 the of wake the in jobs for looking be may whom of some work, such todo skills the with people of number asignificant already is there that noted roundtable (The possible. as effectively as together towork all enabling volunteers, and workers paid together brings that workforce this and work, developreduction a framework for land management andimplementrisk effective to required workforce the of nature and scale Develop a greater of understanding the change. climate of levels dangerous more ever reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent to efforts international and national strengthening all on above focus must we therefore and losses, recent of scale the with todealing close come Summer fires.No amount of remedial canwork Black the by killed animals of number sheer the recognise and toadapt, ability their beyond pushed being already are wildlife and ecosystems that recognise also must we essential, are efforts such while However, legitimacy. and authority necessary the with organisation existing an by on taken be could function coordination The work. this in involved being through come can that wellbeing and forcommunity individual benefits additional the noting efforts, recovery wildlife of resourcing and coordination better Ensure Community Roundtable

RECOMMENDATIONS

Part 3: Community impact – economy, infrastructure and agriculture

The Black Summer fires have taken an immense toll on Boosting health services the livelihoods, infrastructure and economies of local (See also Part 1: Physical and mental health impacts communities. While communities have shown immense of bushfires) strength and resolve during and after disasters, they must receive adequate support from all levels of 126. Increase access to healthcare services in government if they are to recover and thrive in the face bushfire affected communities, based on a clear of growing threats due to climate change. understanding of community needs, and through building the size of the workforce, including non- The period of recovery must be seen as an opportunity hospital-based workers, that can be mobilised to to build back better. The needs and strengths of address disasters. This can include incentives for communities must be at the heart of these efforts, with healthcare workers to work in regional areas, and all support geared towards empowering communities removing any barriers currently inhibiting them to lead the recovery on their terms and in ways that from doing so; more effectively mobilising general capitalise on their inherent strengths, and to build their practitioners (GPs) by working through the Royal community to be stronger, more prosperous, and more Australian College of General Practitioners to resilient to future challenge. identify which GPs are available in the local area; and providing GPs with training in disaster response. The government should also maintain Supporting a community-led recovery rebates for telehealth, to allow patients in bushfire affected areas to access remote healthcare. 125. Federal, State and Territory Governments should provide funding and support that empowers communities themselves to adapt to climate Building back better change, build resilience, and reduce emissions over the coming decade. During the immediate 127. The principle of building back better needs to be recovery period, governments need to identify, central to all funding and community education engage and support community leaders who during recovery. The aim should not be to return can lead the recovery. They must provide the economy, infrastructure and environment to adequate funding to local governments to clean its old state, but to a better, cleaner and more up in the aftermath of disasters. This includes resilient state. Regulations need to support this financial support for local councils and frontline aspiration, for example through appropriate organisations to better engage with communities building standards, and through factoring and empower them to develop local resilience in climate projections. It must also also be strategies that fit with their local context and recognised that many of those living in precarious harness their strengths (such as a detailed plan circumstances, such as under very high bushfire for the City of Ryde, soon to be adopted). risk, are doing so as they are unable to afford alternatives, and that we must therefore work to ensure that appropriate resilience measures are accessible and affordable to all.

40 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 41 129. 128. Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

disaster resilience. to important –is micro-grids and systems, battery and solar as –such infrastructure during a and disaster. after Decentralised operation continuous toensure upgraded be can it toensure funding provide necessary where and and social physical infrastructure, critical local of resilience the of areview Undertake environmental shocks. and economic future of risk the reduce helping thereby zero emissions, tonet path the on renewable energy also helps set Australia forfunding and support fossil fuels.Supporting all cease must and regions, affected bushfire in prosperity and jobs new creating of a way owned and energy decentralised schemes, as community- local energy, including supporting Territory should invest in Governments renewable and State Federal, better. back building of heart in renewableInvesting energy should be at the 132. 131. 130. Dealing withthecostsofdisasterrecovery

through a levy on fossil fuel producers. producers. fuel fossil on alevy through administered, and money would be raised would disasters, climate-fuelled be independently of cost increasing the tomeeting dedicated be would fund This fund. disaster climate national The Government a should Federal establish wildlife. affected bushfire can assist members how community on information clear by accompanied be should This recovery. their with assist and dangers fire future from harbour, they species the including parks, national toprotect support and funding State and Territory should increase Governments greater resilience to in future. disasters helpand develop people energy self-sufficiency would alsoschemes systems for solar and battery power. Rebate and water drinkable of a lack challenges during such and disasters, costs as overcoming with includingcommunities, farmers, affected bushfire supports that scheme rebate The Government should Federal develop a Community Roundtable

RECOMMENDATIONS

Part 4: Achieving change through community action

Actions by the community and their local councils are serve to strengthen Australian democracy, and at the heart of responding to the climate crisis, building are essential to addressing the climate crisis. the clean economies of the future, and developing greater resilience to worsening fire danger and other 134. The NSW Government should support and climate impacts. encourage local councils to create climate action plans that are designed to achieve net zero Local initiatives such as community-owned renewable emissions and to build community resilience energy schemes and disaster risk reduction efforts can to the impacts of climate change. The NSW provide concrete solutions to climate change while Government must provide appropriate resources also bringing many other benefits to communities. to local councils to develop these plans. The Furthermore, through bringing community members plans should: together, strengthening relationships, and establishing common interests, they can help to transform politics a. Assess greenhouse gas emissions from from the bottom up, thereby helping overcome local council operations and across the local persistent political barriers to climate action. government area, and identify a path to net zero emissions. However, while taking hope from the generational change that is occurring and through positive b. Empower and incentivise communities examples of community action, roundtable participants to build energy security, affordability and expressed immense frustration at the state of climate self-sufficiency through community-owned politics nationally and the woeful lack of action, even clean energy projects including microgrids. in the face of the catastrophic Black Summer fires. Such schemes not only play an important They attributed this to the corrosive influence of vested part in decarbonising Australia’s electricity interests. Communities cannot do it alone. Dealing production, but bring additional benefits with the challenges of climate change and worsening to communities including cost savings and bushfires requires all levels of government to work ownership of a productive asset, and can together, including properly resourcing action at the be an important factor in overall community community level. resilience.

To better harness the power of community action c. Empower local community members to work towards building resilience and achieving net zero together more broadly towards a shared emissions, and to force governments to take stronger vision of community resilience and responding action on climate change to protect local communities: to the climate crisis. This may include community-based and council-led adaptation 133. Take practical steps to address the disproportionate plans and disaster risk reduction. influence of fossil fuel interests within Australian politics, recognising that these vested interests d. Facilitate the education of local community have held back action on climate change, risking members on their role in addressing climate a future of increasing dangers and hardships for change, both in terms of mitigation (reducing all Australians. Such steps could include, but are emissions) and adaptation (adjusting to not limited to, ensuring greater transparency of climate impacts). and limitations upon campaign funding and other political donations, and establishing a national e. Engage the younger generation and support anti-corruption commission. These measures will their leadership.

42 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 43 135. Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

b. a. local ‘champions’ should include: these for Support strengths. and values local on drawing by and making, decision in involved actively tobe community local the empowering disaster preparedness and response, through resilience,help community build local including should leaders be resourcedCommunity to Territory Governments. and State or Federal the by funding Matched initiatives. local starting for support and guidance provide that Toolkits Community Roundtable

ENDORSED BY

Pablo Bateson, City of Ryde Vivien Thomson AFSM FARLF, Australian Cr Elly Bird, Lismore City Council Firefighters Climate Alliance Dr Simon Bradshaw, Climate Council Dr Bob Vickers, Doctors for the Environment Australia Jonty-Jack Bruce Prof Iain Walker, ANU Assoc Prof Peter Davies, Macquarie University Jo Dodds, Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action Dr Grahame Douglas, National Parks Association of NSW / Western Sydney University Leighton Drury, Fire Brigade Employees Union Major General Peter Dunn AO (ret), Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Commissioner, ACT Emergency Services Authority) Cr Amanda Findley, Shoalhaven City Council Dr Angela Frimberger Jenny Goldie, Climate Action Monaro Brian Gilligan, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Director General, NSW Parks and Wildlife Service) Dr Turlough Guerin, AG Institute Australia Dr Michelle Hamrosi, Australian Parents for Climate Action Peter Holding AFSM, Farmers for Climate Action / Climate Kelpie Chiara Holgate, Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society Dr Arnagretta Hunter, ANU Medical School Cr Dominic King, Bellingen Shire Council Dr Kim Loo, Doctors for Environment Australia Madi Maclean, Blue Mountains Conservation Society Kathryn Maxwell, South Coast Health and Sustainability Alliance Dr Kathryn McLachlan, Macquarie University Greg Mullins AO, AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Commissioner, Fire and Rescue NSW) Alix Pearce, Climate Council Dr Martin Rice, Climate Council Jim Smith AFSM, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (Former Deputy Commissioner, Fire and Rescue NSW) Cr Carol Sparks, Glen Innes Severn Council Prof Will Steffen, Climate Councillor

44 Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

CASE STUDY

Lake Conjola community-led recovery

The New Year’s Eve fires on the Lake Conjola's recovery has been community-led, and to a large South Coast extent, community-funded. The Conjola Community Recovery tore through dozens of towns, Association was set up after the fires and initially helmed by ELCA’s including the community of Peter Dunn. Lake Conjola, where more than 130 homes were destroyed, and Cut off from outside help by closed roads, power losses and problems three people died. with telecommunications, the community banded together to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of the disaster. Immediate priorities included restoring essential services like power and connectivity; arranging mental health support for traumatised locals; and beginning the clean-up process.

It has been challenging to access government funding for rebuilding, but the Conjola community has raised about $350,000 to fund its own recovery.

The association’s next priorities include improving the area’s infrastructure and amenities, including building bicycle paths to connect villages in the area to one another; working with Traditional Owners to restore the Lake Conjola ecosystem which has been damaged by the fires; organising temporary housing in town for locals who lost their homes; and for the first time in the town’s history, developing evacuation plans to prepare for worsening bushfires in the future.

Since the Black Summer, the Conjola community has also had to overcome severe flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic. But the connections forged in the aftermath of the fires have brought the community closer together, ensuring that even the most vulnerable members are looked after during the stressful and isolating lockdown period.

With recovery experts from Government and non-governmental organisations commencing work in the town, the Conjola Community Recovery Effort is starting to transition from a volunteer-led recovery model to a professional model.

The community has come out of an incredibly difficult seven months more resilient and connected than ever.

The full recovery process will likely take up to three years. In that time, Conjola locals and community leaders alike continue to advocate for strong climate action and a swift transition to a net zero emissions economy.

45 Case Study

46 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 47 resilience andlead recovery efforts. empower communities tobuildtheir All Government initiativesmust change. climate to due greater become they as particularly effectively, needs these meet to able being in challenges many face may CSOs However, disasters. other and bushfires following phase recovery long the in and during before, disadvantage experiencing or incomes low on people supporting in role acrucial play (CSOs) Organisations Sector Community and the Community Sector Bushfires, Climate Change Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan IN COLLABORATION WITH ACOSS, 20 JULY 20 ACOSS, WITH 2020 COLLABORATION IN COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE, before, during and after a bushfire crisis. abushfire after and during before, peopleto on low support incomes or experiencing disadvantage particular in and change, climate by fuelled bushfires of context the in sector community the support tobetter needed is what on insights and experience toshare Australia, across from experts other with along small, and large CSOs from people together brought It (VCOSS). Service Social of Council Victorian the and (ACOSS) Service Social of Council Australian the by 2020 hosted was Summit Climate and Bushfire National the in roundtable final This Community Sector Roundtable

RECOMMENDATIONS

The needs and strengths of communities are at the e. Access to clean energy. heart of bushfire preparedness, response and recovery. All government initiatives must empower communities f. Access to transport. to build their resilience and lead recovery efforts on their terms. The need for genuine community g. Access to appropriate information and partnership, Including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait knowledge resources and communications Islander peoples, communities and organisations technology. (as outlined in the Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement), is essential across all recommendations 138. Provide adequate support during disasters such for improving the nation’s future preparedness, as bushfires, including: responsiveness and recovery efforts. a. Increasing the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment from $1,000 to Governments must do more to reduce emissions $3,000, and from $800 per child to $1,000 in line with the Paris Agreement per child.

136. Greater Government action to address the b. Increasing amount and length of disaster climate crisis and reduce emissions to net zero recovery allowances. before 2050. c. Commonwealth Rent Assistance should be made available for people eligible for Disaster Governments must increase support to people Recovery Allowances who are renting privately. and communities to build resilience, prepare, respond and recover from bushfires d. Covering funeral costs for people who have lost their lives in a natural disaster. 137. Reduce poverty and disadvantage to ensure people and communities have the resources e. Working with essential service providers, to prepare for, respond to, and recover from including energy, water, and telecommunications, disasters, including: to provide relief to customers during disasters and the immediate aftermath to, in addition to a. Adequate social security, which will require hardship programs, implement a temporary a permanent increase to income support suspension of billing, moratorium on payments. disconnections in affected areas, and moratorium on debt collection in affected areas. b. Access to employment opportunities for at risk groups and regions, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

c. Access to affordable essential services.

d. Access to affordable, adequate, secure and sustainable housing.

48 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 49 140. 139. Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan 141.

e. d. c. b. a. during recovery by: services and payments tosupport access Improve d. c. b. a. event of an emergency, including: the in actions immediate outline that Protocols Develop Government Response Emergency b. a. including: needs, tocommunity responsive and tailored is that during disaster and post services social support Additional funding to meet increased demand for those who can’t access technology. including language disability, needs, and to and form, appropriate aculturally in needs, all toaddress accessible is information Ensuring stories. their torepeat victims forcing by consent) to ensure is trauma not exacerbated (with sharing information and data for Allowing areas. in regional clinics outreach hours and rural mobile recovery centresExpanding and after- andconfusion duplication. toreduce support available Coordinating access. of point one into processes the Streamlining Expediting payments. Expediting disasters. after responsibilities(CDP) during and directly Program Development Community from Relief payments. Suspending income management of welfare payments. income support for requirements Waiving obligation mutual financial counselling. Funding and resources for and legal services relief. Increased funding for and emergency food 142. 143.

e. d. c. c. b. a. by: disasters tonatural to respond (CSOs) Organisations Sector Community Support f. e. d. a. Islander peoples and communities, including: Torres and Strait Aboriginal tosupport Funding

to improve resilience to bushfires. resilience to improve training, and roads, fire trails, community trucks, fire sources, towater access as such people, managed by Aborginal and Torres Islander Strait capacity surge tomanage CSOs local Enabling Aboriginal housing in areas. affected and of social, community Increased availability a disaster.period after recovery tolong-term short the in particularly (including elder abuse),violence services and family domestic Increased specialist local term. mediumcommunities and in long the short, affected todisaster available support, health Adequate and appropriate culturally mental local CSOs. CSOs. local Providing Flexible a Fund Contingency for needs. community to meet grant arrangements emergency toexpedite CSOs local for agreements ingovernment Providing grant flexibility during and in the aftermath ofduring and disaster. the in aftermath the services for demand increased the to meet disaster crisis. the in tohelp how and help toget how for resource online national stop aone to create network COSS the and ACOSS Supporting efforts. recovery in disaster responsetheir participation and to due obligations contractual to meet areEnsuring not CSOs penalised for failing response and recovery efforts. for affected CSOs by intensive unprecedented Ensuring immediate financial compensation Councils, to invest in infrastructure on lands lands on infrastructure in toinvest Councils, Aboriginal and Torres Islander Strait Land

Community Sector Roundtable

b. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 147. Formally identify, consult with and incorporate communities to develop strategies to prepare CSOs - including Aboriginal and Torres Strait for, respond and recover from natural Islander organisations (especially community- disasters such as bushfires, that build on controlled organisations), multicultural traditional and local knowledge. organisations, small/local CSOs, and those supporting people with disability, children and youth, and the elderly - in emergency Australia must shift to a whole-of-community, management governance arrangement at all-hazards, nationwide approach to better Federal, State and Territory and local level to build resilience, plan, respond and recover improve preparedness, response and recovery. from emergencies 148. Create and fund local community disaster 144. Establish a formal disaster management management hubs that are community-led and mechanism that has a whole-of-community engaged in building resilience and assisting in approach to and responsibility for planning, emergency management planning, response and resilience, response and recovery. This should recovery. These should: include Federal, State and Territory and local governments, Aboriginal and Torres Strait a. Serve as a lasting and trusted facilitator who Islander Land Councils and community leaders, can link communities together. businesses, the community sector, and members of the community (see also recommendation 147). b. Provide information on escalating disaster risks, climate change and resilience 145. Fund local councils to form local community strategies. resilience committees to promote collaboration and joint planning between government, c. Serve as a connector between community Community Sector Organisations (CSOs), and government services. community groups and local businesses. These committees could be subcommittees d. Be resourced with ongoing funding. of relevant Federal, State and Territory emergency management committees (see also e. Lead resilience building, response and recommendations 147 and 148). recovery programs.

f. Access local leadership, knowledge and Greater recognition of the role of Community expertise. Sector Organisations (CSOs), especially local and place-based, in supporting people and g. Develop partnerships with local CSOs and communities to build resilience, prepare, emergency management agencies. respond and recover from disasters such as bushfires h. Support collaborations, networks and leadership. 146. Governments and emergency management services should formally recognise the critical i. Support people experiencing disadvantage role of CSOs in helping people and communities before, during and after disasters. build resilience, prepare, respond and recover from emergencies, and adequately fund the role j. Publish emergency preparation plans and to be able to meet the ongoing needs of people help members of the community to establish and communities as the scale and intensity of their own disaster preparation plans. disasters increase due to climate change. k. Embed an autonomous local community liaison role within bushfire affected and vulnerable communities.

50 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 51 149. Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan 150.

d. c. b. a. CSOs: and peak resilience the bodies to strengthen of network COSS the tosupport funds Government e. d. c. b. a. to: Including bushfires. as such disasters from recover and respond better can toand resilient more are clients their and they toensure capacity and capability their tobuild CSOs support and Fund governments. and communicationsAdvocacy with informed services. trauma including volunteers, and staff of capacity and capability tobuild referrals and Access and leadership. networks collaborations, support that CSOs sharing knowledge hubs between Establish plans. business continuity implement disaster management and and todevelop CSOs Train support and community. the within connectedness and social networks include strengthening and reducedisasters This vulnerability. could to preparation for boost resilience activities community andtheir undertake clients Build resilience the and preparedness of and other disasters. during bushfireswho commonly offer support manage many the volunteers, spontaneous tohelp CSOs in invest and needs community toreflect volunteers of diversity the Grow be provided on an ongoing basis. for andThis staff volunteers. should support, and psychological training trauma vicarious as such services, tokey support access have CSOs and responders frontline that Ensure plans. business continuity to implement disaster management and volunteers and staff Train support and organisation. the within plans continuity business disaster managementImplement and 154. 153. 152. 151. management awareness oftheroletheyplayinemergency Service Organisations(CSOs)andraise Upskill thestaffandvolunteersofCommunity 155.

e. d. c. b. a. including:disaster management, in CSOs local of role the of awareness the to raise State and Territories should implement initiatives content in relevant degree and training programs. preparedness and recovery community-led to incorporate management emergency and providers training and universities to engage and management emergency organisations peak should bodies CSO workGovernments with Emergency Response Coordination. in IV Certificate the of version intensive a less as such recognition toformal lead could that volunteers for training appropriate Provide guidance on roles practice. and better toprovide CSOs for atoolkit include could This their regular operations/management/strategies. resilience and preparedness into consistently disaster towork how (b) and roles management disaster in (a) CSOs of volunteers and staff the toupskill strategies training appropriate culturally todevelop bodies peak CSO with work managementEmergency organisations should management services. disaster delivering in CSOs of value the about business, and broader the community services, for Education emergency other stakeholders, Involving seniorInvolving leadership as champions. management. disaster in CSOs including of value and the role outlining communications Specific managementemergency forums. and development policy in CSOs of Inclusion managementemergency training. within CSOs of role the of Understanding prepare, respond and recover from disasters. to communities and people supporting in CSOs of role the of overview an to include management emergency training Expanding Community Sector Roundtable

Fund Research to better support Community 162. The Government and industry should work Sector Organisations (CSOs), communities together to increase the affordability and and community members to build resilience, accessibility of insurance products for people prepare, respond and recover from disasters living on low incomes. A range of low-cost such as bushfires products, payment options and mechanisms should be made available to make premiums 156. Analyse and evaluate the contribution made by easier to manage, including: CSOs to emergency management work. This research will measure and demonstrate the a. Increasing the number of targeted low cost work and value (including monetary value and products through more insurance companies. return on investment) provided by CSOs during For example, Good Shepherd Microfinance, disasters. The research findings should also be in partnership with Suncorp/AAI, currently translated and accessible to community workers. offers premiums of as little as $4 per week for eligible people. 157. Support the development of an online tool that includes a social vulnerability index (such as the b. Providing options for small amounts of cover. Australian Natural Disaster Resilience Index) and online mapping feature to help identify where c. Improving promotion of existing products communities may need additional support to targeted to people on low incomes. build resilience, prepare, respond and recover from disasters. The tool should be used in the d. Developing new products such as renters development of local climate change resilience insurance. and emergency management plans to t better address the needs of people and communities e. Considering exempting people on low more vulnerable to disasters. incomes from insurance stamp duties.

158. Fund research to better understand the impacts f. Offering fortnightly or weekly payment of disasters on Aboriginal and Torres Strait options. Islander peoples and facilitate their involvement in recovery. g. Offering Centrepay payment options.

159. Undertake research to better understand and h. Providing information in plain english as well articulate recovery needs of communities and as in other languages. community members. i. Offering free and impartial advice about 160. Funded bushfire research should also involve insurance. the practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in preparing for, responding to j. Partnering with Community Sector and recovering from bushfire and other disaster Organisations (CSOs) to develop trust and events, including landscape management. deliver appropriate products.

163. Governments and the insurance industry should Improve access to affordable insurance ensure expedited processing of all insurance claims following an emergency or disaster, and 161. Establish a review on insurance affordability financial counselling and legal support should be in Australia, with regard to worsening impacts available to people to support them through the of climate change and rising levels of financial insurance claims process. difficulty. The review should consider options for ensuring insurance coverage for people on low incomes.

52 COMMUNITY SECTOR ROUNDTABLE COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE TWO EXPERT ROUNDTABLE ONE 53 165. 164. Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan b. a. should: industry insurance the incomes, low on living people insurance, and needs of to meet particular the To and uptake encourage understanding of terms in insurance contracts. contract unfair of removal the expedite should covermodernising standard the regime. Insurers Commission, mandating standardized terms and Royal Banking the from reforms handling claims through Government expediting Federal the Make home insurance and suitable fair, including hardship programs. programs. hardship Adopt financial inclusion includingpolicies, resilience programs. Encourage and promote targeted financial Community Sector Roundtable

ENDORSED BY

ACOSS ACTCOSS NCOSS NTCOSS QCOSS SACOSS TASCOSS VCOSS WACOSS National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) NSW Aborignial Land Council Brotherhood of St Laurence Salvation Army Foodbank Community Industry Group Volunteering Australia COTA Victoria Northern Rivers Community Gateway Woden Community Service Southern Grampians Glenelg Primary Care Partnership Gateway Family Services Morwell Neighbourhood House Gippsland Disability Advocacy Mountains Community Resource Network David Templeman, former Director General of Emergency Management Australia and current President, Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) Dr Scott Hanson-Easey, School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide Prof Lisa Gibbs, Director Child & Community Wellbeing Unit; and Academic Lead for Community Resilience at the Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety, Assoc Prof Michelle Villeneuve, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney Emergency Leaders for Climate Action

54 Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan

Image Credits

Cover image: “Belrose Hazard Reduction” by Flickr user NSW RFS Media Services licensed under CC BY-NCND 2.0.

Page 8: “Tragic Loss” by Flickr user Neil Creek licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Page 24: NSW Rural Fire Service crews fight the Gospers Mountain Fire as it impacts a structure at Bilpin, Saturday, December 21, 2019. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.

Page 31: Photo by Holger Link on Unsplash.

Page 34: Mount Barney Lodge.

Page 41: "Bushfire" by Flickr user Martin Snicer licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Page 46: Major General Peter Dunn AO (ret).

55 emergencyleadersforclimateaction.org.au climatecouncil.org.au