The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has welcomed the establishment of a new national disaster research centre, set to focus on natural hazards and disaster risk reduction.
CSIRO said it would help establish the new centre by working with the current Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (BNHCRC), the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council, and Government Departments.
Chief Executive of CSIRO, Larry Marshall said the recent devastating bushfire season had placed a renewed focus on building resilience to better equip Australia for the future.
“The summer of 2019-20 was defined by consecutive natural events including bushfires, floods, drought and heat extremes which have touched every Australian,” Dr Marshall said.
“While much has already been done and achieved by all levels of Government, response Agencies and the community to increase Australia’s resilience, there is more that science can deliver to predict and protect against disasters – we must deliver for Australia,” he said.
“The establishment of a new national disaster research centre is an important step forward.”
Dr Marshall said climate change meant the frequency and severity of disaster events would be a factor into the foreseeable future.
“Increasing climate variability and hazard exposure means we need to consider a truly national response,” he said.
“The establishment of the new centre will bring together world-leading science and technology capability, together with Australia’s frontline responders to help our nation prepare for and confidently deal with what lies ahead.”
He said CSIRO had been the first Agency internationally to link the increased severity of bushfire weather to climate change.
