Again for Aussies, this a link for DISASTERS - COMMUNITY INFORMATION. This is a link for a government site with local info.
http://www.ema.gov.au/agd/ema/emaint...256C8700361BAF
Here is an article that was on ABC in MAy last year. Interesting info for us.
Australia not ready for major natural disaster: think tank
By national security correspondent Leigh Sales
Posted Wed May 7, 2008 6:13am AEST
Updated Wed May 7, 2008 6:38am AEST
Damaged houses sit in Darwin after Cyclone Tracy struck on Christmas Eve in 1974
Waiting for the big one: Darwin after being hit by Cyclone Tracy in 1974 (AAP: National Archives of Australia)
A report to be released today finds that Australia has more to fear from natural disasters than a terrorist attack.
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) report says Australia is not well placed to deal with a major natural disaster and governments need to pay more attention to emergency response management.
The report finds that since September 11, 2001, governments have spent around $10 billion on counter-terrorism initiatives, but only $500 million on emergency response capabilities.
ASPI says the spending shortfall has left a gap in Australia's ability to manage catastrophic events such as cyclones, tsunamis or floods.
The report suggests that Australians need information about how to respond individually to major disasters, rather than simply waiting for authorities to come to the rescue.
"We've never had the big one, and I think people need to imagine the worst before we can properly prepare," said report author Anthony Bergin.
The Federal Government has commissioned its own review into Australia's homeland security, due mid-year.
ASPI is a think tank which was created by the Howard Government to offer independent policy advice.