Shelter after disasters in Australia

Australia has recently experienced a series of disasters that destroyed many homes and displaced many people. Different approaches to post-disaster shelter have been implemented in the wake of these events, including accommodation provided in hotels, caravan parks, social housing or ‘temporary villages’ using shipping containers and modular prefabricated dwellings (pods). While these initiatives have some positive outcomes, a range of problems are also evident, particularly the protracted nature of the displacement. For people without adequate insurance, or with limited options for relocation, and in an environment of housing shortages, access to permanent housing becomes uncertain and the makeshift solutions can have severe consequences. Given the increases in the frequency and magnitude of emergencies and disasters, living in such places is untenable. Further, the development of new building regulations such as the Bushfire Attack Level ratings to minimise disaster risk adds to costs and can impede access to permanent housing. There are few studies on shelter after disasters in Australia and this points to the need for in-depth research that can inform policy and practice.