The Australian capital, Canberra, has been extended United Nations recognition as being a role model city for disaster management. Announcing the recognition on the UN’s Office of Disaster Risk Reduction website, Margareta Wahlström said: “UNISDR is pleased to welcome the government of the Australian Capital Territory and Canberra as a role model for the “Making Cities Resilient" Campaign which now has over 1,000 members worldwide. Canberra has shown us how important organizational capacity is when it comes to building resilience against a wide range of natural hazards in the most disaster-prone region of the world.”

Following the destructive bushfires of January 2003, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) introduced the Emergencies Act of 2004. This legislation provided the basis for “protecting and preserving life, property and the environment,” and became the basis for “several initiatives including a comprehensive anti-bushfire program.”

Canberra’s “Strategic Bushfire Management Plan (PDF) includes community education and awareness, construction and upgrading of water points, helicopter pads, fuel breaks, infrastructure to facilitate grazing and prescribed burning for fuel management. The ACT government has established over 50 Community Fire Units in high bushfire risk areas providing residents with training, equipment and support.”