The Australian Government today released new tropical cyclone data that will help build the resilience of communities in Northern Australia.
Developed by Geoscience Australia, the latest update to the Tropical Cyclone Hazard Assessment (TCHA) includes new methodology that better calculates the likelihood and intensity of tropical cyclones in Australia.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said when it came to tropical cyclones it was important to plan for the future rather than the past.
“To prepare the cities, towns and infrastructure of Northern Australia for tropical cyclones, we cannot just rely on our knowledge of past events. We need to have a good understanding of how big, how often and where tropical cyclones are likely to occur,” Minister Canavan said.
“Knowledge is power and one of the best ways we can help communities more likely to experience a tropical cyclone is to make sure they have access to accurate and up-to-date information.”
Minister Canavan said the TCHA now included data on 160,000 tropical cyclone scenarios for 400 locations around Australia.
“The assessment is the starting point for reducing the risk of tropical cyclone hazard. Based on its data, Geoscience Australia and others develop local tropical cyclone hazard and impact models, which inform evidence-based disaster management and evacuation plans, as well as infrastructure planning and mitigation strategies,” he said.
“For example, Geoscience Australia is currently partnering with the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC on a project led by the Cyclone Testing Station at James Cook University in Townsville to devise simple, practical and economic options for upgrading existing houses.”
For more information, visit the Geoscience Australia website
