Homeowners typically rebuild after disasters without making mitigation adaptations, Geoscience Australia has told the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into catastrophe funding arrangements.

In 2012 the federal agency surveyed Brisbane and Ipswich households affected by the 2011 floods, finding 60% of 1174 people questioned had rebuilt their homes with no modifications.

“With an annual rate of building replacement of only 2%, no requirements for retrofit and limited planning requirements for retirement of flood or storm surge-prone properties, the Geoscience analysis finds vulnerable older assets presently make up a large proportion of communities and drive most of the community risk.

“Evidence indicates the take-up of options for reducing vulnerability is minimal, and thereby is limiting potential reductions in the cost of future disasters.”

About 60% of buildings in north Queensland coastal communities do not meet current wind-loading standards.

The agency says improved building standards in Darwin are an example of effective mitigation. The city was devastated by Cyclone Tracy in 1974, but in 2008 Geoscience simulated the impact of a repeat and estimated the cost would be 90% lower.

Its submission calls for nationally consistent and accessible data and for research post-disaster to provide more information on recovery.

Research on resilience should be integrated into the risk-modelling framework, so communities can understand their exposure and priorities can be set for mitigation investment.

“Nationally consistent and fit-for-purpose data is essential to develop evidence-based policy and input into decision-making around disaster mitigation, resilience, response and recovery initiatives.”