Sustainable Communities and Infrastructure

[Print-friendly version]

• isr co-ordinated projects



• Sustainability-linked Communities and Infrastructure projects

Funding from National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) is supporting several research projects in climate change adaptation by QUT researchers and collaborating organisations. Research into the socio-economic impacts of climate change on forestry regions and the communities dependent on them will contribute to understanding, planning and managing forestry resources, the social impacts of climate change and community adaptation responses.

A second NCCARF project is reviewing the infrastructure and communities affected by the southern heatwave of 2009. By assessing the heatwave’s impact on the region, and the vulnerability and adaptation responses that followed, the study will outline the adaptive capacity (resilience) of the region’s infrastructure and communities.

QUT’s Centre for Subtropical Design conducts research into a range of building typologies, and urban planning approaches, which look to better harmonise the built, natural and social environments in a subtropical setting. With the need to adapt to climate change combined with rapid population growth in south-east Queensland, the centre focuses on planning and design that delivers more sustainable outcomes and improved liveability in both the public and private realm.

isr co-ordinated projects

Impacts and adaptation response of infrastructure and communities to heatwaves: the southern Australian experience of 2009 (isr, 2010) QUT researchers Jim Reeves, Prof. Grace, Colleen Foelz Funding source/s Australian Government funding through the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) administered by Griffith University Participants Institute for Sustainable Resources (QUT), Climate Change Adaptation program (RMIT University), Risk Frontiers at Macquarie University, Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments (University of Southern Queensland), School of Geography and Environmental Science (Monash University) Project snapshot The project synthesised and integrated reports and material related to the late January/early February heatwave in southern Australia in 2009. The case study report outlines the salient characteristics of the event and its impacts on individuals, communities, emergency management and infrastructure. It assesses vulnerability and adaptation responses; and describes barriers and lessons learnt. Impacts and adaptation response of infrastructure and communities to heatwaves: the southern Australian experience of 2009 [PDF 4.18 MB]

Environmental Impact Study of Marinas (isr/FAST, 2007-10) QUT researchers Prof. Grace, Michelle Gane, Adpro Lavery, Dr Williamson Funding source/s Meridien Marinas Project snapshot This study has a range of projects with Meridien including a pilot project comparing the efficacy of baited underwater video, dropped underwater video, and the standard sampling method of gill nets to assess diversity of the fish communities in two areas: a constructed marine environment (Horizon shores marina) and a neighbouring, unmodified area. It aims to develop a protocol for providing a rapid and simple long-term monitoring tool.

Growing sustainable regions: Developing a Rural Statistical Sustainability Framework (isr/BEE, 2008–10) QUT researchers Prof. Grace, Dr Miller, Dr Wilson, Dr Sahama Funding source/s ARC Linkage, Condamine Alliance, Dalby Regional Council, Dept. Primary Industries, Southern Downs Regional Council Project snapshot Facilitating smart information use by developing and implementing a Rural Statistical Sustainability Framework and decision-support modelling tool that integrates environmental, economic and social data into a single user-friendly source. This will provide a platform for evidence-based decision making that will lead to a sustainable future for rural and regional Australia.

Sustainability-linked Communities and Infrastructure projects