Queensland Disaster Management Research Forum

In the eye of the storm: A comparative study of human and AI-generated emergency alerts in risk communication practice

Manolo Iachizzi, Griffith University 

Manolo is a PhD candidate at Griffith University. His research focuses on the intersection and application of Artificial Intelligence in crisis and disaster communication.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in public service and research, especially during emergencies. This study evaluates AI’s role in emergency communication by analysing twelve alerts issued during Tropical Cyclone Kirrily in Queensland (January 2024). Phase one assessed human-generated alerts using the IDEA model and AIDR guidelines, revealing consistent issues with clarity and community relevance despite timely delivery. Phase two used ChatGPT-4 to recreate the alerts, showing that AI, when properly guided, can produce clearer, more tailored, and action-oriented messages than traditional methods.

See Manolo's poster here. 

Mental health in the era of climate change: Mapping nine core services for ecosystem response

Benjamin Norris, UQ School of Public Health

Benjamin is a second-year PhD student at the Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland. His research focuses on building a climate-responsive mental health service ecosystem through three studies: a scoping review of services used in climate-related events, a Q Methodology study exploring stakeholder perspectives, and simulations to test guidelines developed from the findings. Before starting his PhD in 2023, Ben spent over 36 years in Queensland Health, beginning as an Alcohol and Drug clinician and concluding as Manager of the Mental Health Drought and Disaster Team. His extensive experience gives him a deep understanding of effective mental health policies and programs.

Abstract: The decade from 2011 to 2020, the hottest on record, has intensified climate-related disasters, straining mental health services vital to community resilience. While disaster-related psychological impacts are well known, system-level responses remain underexplored. This research identifies nine core service areas forming a climate-responsive mental health ecosystem, shaped by local actors and adaptive, community-driven support. The poster presents these areas and introduces the "Stabilise, Adapt and Anchor" framework to guide disaster preparedness and recovery. Integrating mental health into climate adaptation planning is essential for supporting communities facing compounding risks and long-term disruption. 

See Ben's poster here.

Assessing ornamental plant flammability for building safety

Thanirosan Krishnakumar, Queensland University of Technology

Thanirosan is a civil and structural engineer and a PhD candidate at the Wind and Fire Lab, Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Hons) from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Prior to commencing his PhD, he spent a year as a university lecturer. His research investigates bushfire risk to buildings, combining laboratory experiments with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to enhance structural resilience.

Abstract: Ornamental plants can increase building vulnerability during bushfires, yet the Australian Standard AS 3959 lacks guidance on safe separation distances. This study addresses that gap by developing and validating a Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) model based on lab-scale fire tests of Lilly Pilly (Syzygium smithii), a common hedge species. Using point cloud geometry from multi-angle photos, the model accurately predicted mass loss, temperature, and radiant heat flux. A parametric study then assessed safe separation distances for various hedge sizes and cladding materials, offering practical recommendations for fire-safe landscaping in bushfire-prone areas.

See Thanirosan's poster here.

Advancing accessible emergency communication: co-designing digital solutions for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) communities in Queensland

Pallav Pant, Griffith University

Pallav is an international PhD candidate at Griffith University and a recipient of the Disability Scholars Research Scholarship. His research focuses on co-designing digital solutions to improve accessible emergency communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in Queensland. He is recognised for pioneering work in Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR), including leading the development of Nepal’s first Disability-Inclusive Get Ready Guidebook, adopted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He has also created digital tools such as the “BACHAU” SOS app and the DIDRR Resource Book. With a background in crisis management, mass communication, and journalism, he brings expertise in co-design, policy advocacy, and inclusive project implementation across Asia and Australia. His contributions have earned international recognition, including a SASAKAWA Award shortlist and the QUT Impact Stories Award.

Abstract: This study explores the urgent need for accessible emergency communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) communities in Queensland. Using a qualitative, co-design approach, it engages DHH individuals and stakeholders to assess current tools, identify barriers, and develop inclusive digital frameworks. By centering lived experiences, the research aims to create practical solutions that enhance emergency response and ensure equitable access to vital information.

See Pallav's poster here.

Component-level fire resistance of foam concrete

Branavan Arulmoly, University of Technology 

Branavan Arulmoly is a Civil Engineering graduate, holding a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Honours) from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. He later completed a Master of Philosophy at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Branavan gained industry experience through nearly a year in the construction sector, followed by three years as a Student Demonstrator and two years as a Lecturer in Structural Engineering and Building Materials. He is currently pursuing a PhD at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia.

Abstract: The increasing frequency of building fires and bushfires, alongside a shift to lightweight construction, has driven interest in fire-resistant materials. Foam concrete (FC), a lightweight cement-based composite, offers promising thermal and structural performance. This study assessed the fire resistance and post-fire behaviour of FC blocks under standard fire and bushfire flame zone (BAL-FZ) conditions. FC 1200 (pumice sand) and FC 1600 (river sand) outperformed traditional mortars, maintaining integrity up to 180 minutes and after repeated BAL-FZ exposure. Findings support FC 1200 for non-load bearing cladding and FC 1600 for light load-bearing walls in fire-resistant construction.

See Branavan's poster here.

Childbearing women and infants in disasters: Findings from Queensland

Elena Skoko, Queensland University of Technology and Natural Hazards Research Australia                    

Elena (PhD candidate) is a researcher, multidisciplinary artist, and activist focused on maternity care, disasters, obstetric violence, and maternal gift economy. With 15 years of experience in international advocacy and citizen research, she is completing a PhD in Public Health at Queensland University of Technology, (QUT, Brisbane, Australia), with a thesis on “Maternity Care in Disasters: New Frameworks for Immediate Action.” Her PhD research project is funded and supported by QUT and NHRA.

Abstract: Disasters pose serious risks to maternal and infant health, with continuity of care helping to reduce stress-related complications. This case study in Queensland, Australia, a well-resourced, disaster-prone state, examines maternity care within emergency management systems. Despite strong healthcare and disaster response frameworks, findings reveal that maternity care is largely overlooked in disaster planning. As a result, care standards drop during crises, relying on the resilience and improvisation of mothers and frontline staff. 

See Elena's poster here.

A justice-based approach to climate-related planned relocation

Carolyn Lambert, Queensland University of Technology and Natural Hazards Research Australia

Carolyn is a Natural Hazards Research Australia scholarship holder and PhD candidate at Queensland University of Technology, researching justice-based approaches to climate-related planned relocation. She brings a multidisciplinary background in program management, communications, and administration across the not-for-profit and tertiary sectors, including roles with ANU, QUT, UN Global Compact Cities Programme, and Village Well. Carolyn holds a Master of Communications (Deakin), a Master of Disaster, Design and Development (RMIT), and Graduate Certificates in Climate Policy and Disaster Risk Science (ANU). Passionate about place-based resilience, she is currently working with USC on coastal adaptation policy impacts and is an active member of IAP2’s Emergency Management Community of Practice and the Creative Recovery Network.

Abstract: Australia’s coastal communities face growing risks from climate hazards like sea-level rise, erosion, and storm surge. In areas where protection or accommodation strategies may no longer be viable, governments are exploring planned relocation or managed retreat. While these programs aim to reduce risk, they often encounter political, legal, social, and cultural challenges, leading to community resistance and potential losses. This research will review national policies across all levels of government and conduct community case studies to develop a justice-based framework for planned relocation, ensuring programs are fair, inclusive, and responsive to community needs. 

See Carolyn's poster here.

Irrigated green firebreaks

Jady Smith, University of the Sunshine Coast and Natural Hazards Research Australia

Jady has worn many hats throughout his career, beginning in ecotourism at Australian resorts before moving into international development. His work has spanned diverse projects, including Cambodia’s first biodiversity policy, agro biodiversity in Laos, marine protection in Vietnam, sanitation in Indonesia, post-tsunami recovery in the Maldives, REDD+ initiatives in Thailand, and heritage management in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. For over two decades, he has supported efforts in Cambodia to mitigate floods and droughts while enhancing community livelihoods around the Angkor World Heritage site. Drawing on his wide-ranging experience, Jady continues to learn from nature. Today, he shares his research on how water management particularly through irrigated green firebreaks can complement wildfire mitigation strategies.

Abstract: Green Firebreaks, areas of less flammable vegetation, are a proactive tool to reduce wildfire spread and intensity. However, under extreme climate conditions, even these can become fuel. While drought is a greater driver of wildfire risk than fuel load, the role of water management in mitigation remains underexplored.

This thesis identifies opportunities for consistent irrigation in the wildland-urban interface, supporting the concept of Irrigated Green Firebreaks. Using fire spread modelling, it demonstrates that irrigated, less flammable vegetation can reduce fire spread and intensity, even under extreme drought and fire weather. The findings offer a theoretical proof of concept for integrating water reuse and irrigation into wildfire management, particularly in places like Noosa. The next step is real-world testing across diverse landscapes.

See Jady's poster here.

Mapping Australia's cyclone risk: A climatology-based approach

Adolfo Lugo Rios, Queensland University of Technology

Adolfo Lugo is a Research Fellow in Marine and Geospatial Sciences at the Queensland University of Technology and a contributor to the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program. His current research focuses on the impacts of tropical cyclones in Australia, particularly their effects on the Great Barrier Reef. He holds a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences from the University at Albany, New York, where he studied hurricane formation in the Eastern Pacific. With a background in physics, Adolfo is passionate about advancing the understanding of tropical cyclone formation, development, and impacts through numerical modelling and historical data analysis.

Abstract: Australia experiences varying levels of exposure to tropical cyclones across its regions. This study analyses historical cyclone records to explore the spatial variability of cyclone genesis and presents the climatological probability of cyclone impact for each Local Government Area. The focus is on the early stages of the cyclone lifecycle, offering insights into regional vulnerability and informing disaster preparedness strategies.

See Adolfo's poster here.