Hazards, risk and resilience

About

As the agency responsible for state-level hazard and risk functions, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) is committed to strengthening Queensland communities, making them safer, more resilient, and better prepared for disasters. To deliver key hazard and risk responsibilities, QRA equips decision-makers with science-informed insights and data, fosters collaborative partnerships, and drives implementation of coordinated whole-of-government policies.

Key responsibilities

QRA's key responsibilities in hazard and risk are to:

maintain and update as required the State Disaster Risk Report (SDRR)
prepare, or support partners to prepare statewide risk assessments for each of the hazards facing Queensland (refer to SDRR)
develop whole-of-government policies related to risk assessments of potential disasters and improving the resilience of communities to potential disaster
administer the Queensland Hazard and Risk Assessment Framework (QHRAF)
collaborate with partners to build community resilience through access to reliable hazard and risk information products and processes to support disaster risk reduction and management practice across Queensland.

Forward directions

Queensland is the most disaster-prone state in Australia. Historically, Queensland has accounted for up to 60% of the national total economic cost of disasters, with the future cost of disasters anticipated to grow. Our understanding of disaster risk will need to evolve and change in response to a changing climate.

QRA will work with key stakeholders and partners to develop the hazard and risk capability over time. This includes ensuring that the best available hazard and risk information, processes and tools are available to support decision making.

Current projects and consultation dates

Project	Description
Queensland Hazard and Risk Assessment Framework (QHRAF)	QRA is developing the QHRAF, which aims to support local government to understand the risks posed to local assets by hazards and guide investment and risk reduction activities. Thereby reducing risk and building community resilience to hazards in Queensland. The development of the QHRAF has been guided by a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process with over 50 stakeholders mostly from local government and state government agencies. Stakeholder engagement included a series of webinars, face-to-face regional workshops, targeted meetings and presentations, surveys and feedback forms. Pilot testing of the QHRAF is currently being undertaken with a select group of stakeholders. Subject to final approval by government, the QHRAF is anticipated to be released mid-2026.

Project

Description

Queensland Hazard and Risk Assessment Framework (QHRAF)

QRA is developing the QHRAF, which aims to support local government to understand the risks posed to local assets by hazards and guide investment and risk reduction activities. Thereby reducing risk and building community resilience to hazards in Queensland.

The development of the QHRAF has been guided by a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process with over 50 stakeholders mostly from local government and state government agencies. Stakeholder engagement included a series of webinars, face-to-face regional workshops, targeted meetings and presentations, surveys and feedback forms. Pilot testing of the QHRAF is currently being undertaken with a select group of stakeholders.

Subject to final approval by government, the QHRAF is anticipated to be released mid-2026.

Background

Leading state hazard and risk management functions became a QRA responsibility on 1 July 2024 following reforms to Queensland’s Disaster and Emergency Management system. QRA has collaborated closely with the former Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Hazard and Risk Unit to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.

Learn more about the reforms.

Contact

Email Hazard.Risk@qra.qld.gov.au

Last updated: 24 February 2026.
QRA Reference: QRA3967 & DOC/26/12091