SEVERE WEATHER SIMULATOR

The Cyclone Testing Station (CTS) is an independent research and consulting unit within the College of Science and Engineering of James Cook University (JCU). The facility aids in the mitigation of impacts of natural disasters through applied research, consulting to industry and government, and providing community education focused on resilience of the built environment, including homes and other low-rise buildings.

The damage and devastation caused by severe wind and rain events pose a real danger for communities in Australia and worldwide. In order to mitigate the impacts of these events to Australians in a safe, economical and sustainable way, funding must be provided to research centres such as JCU’s Cyclone Testing Station. Funding allows for the Townsville based facility to continue to:

• Assist in the development of effective building practices

• Improve safety in high wind events including cyclones

• Mitigate risk and reduce costs resulting from wind damage

Reduce Protect

Reduce the financial and personal loss and suffering caused by cyclones and other high wind events.

Protect from the financial and social costs of buildings failing during (and after) severe weather events.

Improve Educate

Improve resilience of structures and safety in high wind events including cyclones.

Educate and Increase knowledge and understanding of natural hazards and disaster risk.

$17

Million

An investment of $17 million will provide JCU’s Cyclone Testing Station with a full-scale wind, hail and rain simulator which will significantly enhance the Station’s ability to reduce, protect, improve & educate on wind, hail and rain events.

Focused investment in research is required to improve knowledge and understanding of natural hazards and disaster risk. Improved knowledge and understanding will drive the development of expertise, tools, systems and technology to deal with natural disasters.

CHAPTER 23, ROYAL COMMISSION INTO NATIONAL NATURAL DISASTER ARRANGEMENTS REPORT