Natural Hazards Research Australia (NHRA) has asked for first-hand accounts from NSW and Queensland flood-affected residents for its new research project as it devises policy recommendations to improve preparation and responses for future flood events.

The project, in conjunction with Macquarie University, the University of Southern Queensland, and Queensland University of Technology, encourages flood victims to participate in interviews or surveys to provide researchers with crucial first-hand experiences.

Lead researcher and Macquarie University Associate Professor in Organisational Psychology Mel Taylor says every unique experience helps improve an understanding of what changes are needed.

“By contributing your personal experience to this research, you can help improve community safety strategies and influence future policy. This can help reduce flood risk in the future,” Ms Taylor said.

NSW State Emergency Services (SES) Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin encouraged affected individuals to participate in the survey as researchers analyse effective policy changes to flood resilience.

“Flood preparedness and response is a community effort that goes beyond NSW SES volunteers,” Mr Austin said.

“By sharing your story and experiences through this research, you are providing valuable information to help arm the NSW SES and partner agencies. This research will help inform our plans and response to each region.”

The NHRA says participant interviews will take place in August and early September and will be conducted online, on the phone, or in person.

Registrations are open now; for more information, click here.