A recent survey by the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) reveals that 60% of Australians are in favor of spending more on disaster mitigation measures, including protection against bushfires and floods.
The survey highlights growing concerns, with 80% of South Australians particularly worried about the increasing frequency of natural disasters and their potential damage to properties. RAA CEO Nick Reade pointed out that extreme weather events are not only placing more homes at risk but are also driving up insurance premiums.
Reade warned that without stronger disaster mitigation strategies, insurance could become unaffordable for many households across the country.
In Australia, around 1.2 million properties are exposed to some level of flood risk, while 5.6 million homes are vulnerable to bushfires. In South Australia, proposed changes to planning laws suggest that over 80% of homes in the Adelaide Hills could face bushfire threats. Recent flooding along the Murray River has further underscored the region’s vulnerability.
The RAA is urging the federal government to adopt a range of measures to improve disaster preparedness. These include expanding the $127.02 million (A$200 million) Disaster Ready Fund into a 10-year, indexed program, and redirecting revenue from the 11% duties and taxes on general insurance into disaster mitigation initiatives. The association is also calling for stricter land-use planning to prevent construction in high-risk areas, as well as updates to the National Construction Code to enhance building resilience.
Currently, 97% of disaster-related funding is allocated to recovery and clean-up, with only 3% directed toward mitigation. Reade emphasized that increasing investment in prevention could ultimately reduce insurance costs over time.
With more than 825,000 members in South Australia alone, the RAA’s survey showed strong public backing for infrastructure projects like flood levees, improved stormwater management, and bushfire prevention efforts to protect homes and communities.
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