DEFINING RISK
Risk = likelihood of a hazard occurring x consequence of impact if it does occur
9 understanding the risks of coastal hazards A key concept of this strategy is ‘risk’. A risk is the chance of something happening that will have a negative effect. Risks can be direct (e.g. inundation of a road) or indirect (e.g. inundation that isolates a community). Risk can be to people’s safety, the natural environment, buildings, public infrastructure, private property, community facilities, places of social and cultural importance or to our lifestyle and economic prosperity.
Risks can be assessed across a range from low to extreme and are the combination of likelihood (probability that a coastal hazard may occur) and the consequence of it occurring (anticipated impact of the coastal hazard). To ensure we are able to adapt and respond to coastal hazards as they occur in our region, it is important we prepare for the varying levels of risk that these hazards will have in our community.
OUR COASTAL HAZARD RISKS WILL CHANGE OVER TIME IN RESPONSE TO A CHANGING CLIMATE, WHICH MAKES MONITORING VITALLY IMPORTANT.
LEVELS OF RISK LOW An example of a low risk event is one that is UNLIKELY TO OCCUR and/ or has insignificant impact to human life and property
MEDIUM An example of a medium risk event is one that is LIKELY TO OCCUR and/ or has a moderate impact to human life and property
HIGH
An example of a medium risk event is one that is VERY LIKELY TO OCCUR and/ or has catastropihic impact to human life and property
our cairns coast adapting for the future 15
