The Newcastle Earthquake: Local Government Response

The response to the Newcastle earthquake from the emergency response services and the local council was not as good as the responses provided for other disasters such as flooding, cyclonic winds and bush fires. The response highlighted the need for recognising earthquake as a potential risk in disaster plans. The areas that needing attention included building codes that must incorporate seismic resistance design factors, establishment of comprehensive hazard mitigation programs, incorporating training and procedures for assessing post disaster damage in disaster plans.