Principal speaker
Professor Paul Burton
Other speakers
Dr Andrew Brooks Dr Serena Lee Dr Darrell Strauss Professor Peter Tatham
The tragic loss of human life and subsequent emotional torment still being experienced by Queensland and New South Wales communities, characterises the catastrophe that was Tropical Cyclone Debbie. This intense weather system crossed the Queensland coast near Airlie Beach as a category 4 tropical cyclone and departed Australian shores 16 days later. In its wake an estimated damage bill of more than half a billion dollars, 12 fatalities and untold impacts on ecological systems.
Over the past month, Griffith University researchers have undertaken comprehensive fact-finding and data collation missions to better understand the enormity of this natural disaster. Our research investigated the impacts across both the natural and built environment, from the devastation to the Great Barrier Reef to the disruption of business supply chains. Join us for a panel discussion that delves into the aftermath of the event, explore the related impacts, and how this research can be used to better equip Australia to minimise the effects of similar events into the future.