How would Australia cope if something akin to Hurricane Katrina, the Christchurch earthquakes or an Ebola outbreak happened on our soil? Does our nation have the infrastructure, forward planning and know-how to be able to cope with a catastrophic disaster?
These are some of the questions that will be addressed at a free public forum at QUT on Wednesday, November 19, with Emergency Management Australia's Director General, Mark Crosweller.
The event will be hosted by QUT's Centre for Emergency and Disaster Management (CEDM), which conducts research to reduce the impacts of emergencies and disasters on health, community and infrastructure.
CEDM deputy director Dr Paul Barnes said November marked the start of storm, flood and cyclone season and it was timely to assess Australia's capabilities in managing disasters.
Emergency Management Australia is an Australian Government agency focused on disaster response and strengthening strategic policy. In his role as Director General EMA, Mark Crosweller is responsible for the coordination of Australia's response to crises, including natural disasters.
EVENT: QUT Centre for Emergency and Disaster Management Forum
SPEAKER: Emergency Management Australia's Director General, Mark Crosweller
TOPIC: Are we prepared for catastrophic disasters?
DATE: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 (from 5.30pm)
VENUE: QUT Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove
EVENT INFO: cedm@qut.edu.au / 07 3138 3960
Media contact: media@qut.edu.au
** Dr Paul Barnes is available for interviews on emergency and disaster management.
