Community perceptions of bushfire risk

The public often view and evaluate risk differently from researchers and experts. Understanding\ud how the public construct their perceptions of risk can greatly improve risk communication,\ud and direct risk reduction strategies most appropriately.\ud This chapter explores the social construction of risk in two peri-urban bushfire-prone\ud communities in Queensland. These case studies were undertaken in 2005 using a multiplemethods\ud approach, which included group interviews with community and fire brigade\ud members, and a community survey.\ud While there are common factors that can similarly influence perceptions of bushfire risks\ud within and between communities, there are often local-based issues unique to a community\ud that have important implications for bushfire management. Through understanding and\ud clarifying fire issues in communities, fire managers can address problems affecting bushfire\ud risk mitigation in their local cOl1ullUnily. Engaging the community through a number of\ud means could help considerably. The community should be viewed as a resource - communities\ud have the capacity to act, despite vulnerabilities