Volume 23 Issue 4, 2008

Tsunami planning and preparation in Western Australia: application of scientific modelling and community engagement

Russell Stevens, Gordon Hall, Dr Jane Sexton

Peer-reviewed Article


Archived Article


Abstract

Tsunami planning and preparation in Western Australia (WA) has been shaped by a collaborative project between the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (WA) and Geoscience Australia. The project has led to the development of tsunami impact assessments in communities identified as vulnerable to tsunami inundation. Tsunami preparation and emergency response plans have been initiated, based on community engagement workshops to increase stakeholder awareness of the science and risk of tsunami. The project has integrated data and expertise across State and Federal government bodies to build safer communities in WA. This tsunami project demonstrates the advantages of combining science, technology and spatial data to achieve a leading edge risk assessment.