Towards networked governance: improving interagency communication and collaboration for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation in Australia

Michael Howes; Peter Tangney; Kimberley Reis; Deanna Grant-Smith; Michael Heazle; Karyn Bosomworth; Paul Burton

doi:10.1080/09640568.2014.891974

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Towards networked governance: improving interagency communication and collaboration for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation in Australia

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Towards networked governance: improving interagency communication and collaboration for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation in Australia

Michael Howes, Peter Tangney, Kimberley Reis, Deanna Grant-Smith, Michael Heazle, Karyn Bosomworth and Paul Burton

Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Vol.58(5), pp.757-776

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2014.891974

Abstract

climate change adaptation

disaster risk management

joined-up government

network governance

policy integration

communication

collaboration

Major disasters, such as bushfires or floods, place significant stress on scarce public resources. Climate change is likely to exacerbate this stress. An integrated approach to disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) could reduce the stress by encouraging the more efficient use of pooled resources and expertise. A comparative analysis of three extreme climate-related events that occurred in Australia between 2009 and 2011 indicated that a strategy to improve interagency communication and collaboration would be a key factor in this type of policy/planning integration. These findings are in accord with the concepts of Joined-up Government and Network Governance. Five key reforms are proposed: developing a shared policy vision; adopting multi-level planning; integrating legislation; networking organisations; and establishing cooperative funding. These reforms are examined with reference to the related research literature in order to identify potential problems associated with their implementation. The findings are relevant for public policy generally but are particularly useful for CCA and DRM.

Details

Title: Towards networked governance: improving interagency communication and collaboration for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation in Australia
Authors: Michael Howes (Corresponding Author) - Griffith University
Peter Tangney - Griffith University
Kimberley Reis - Griffith University
Deanna Grant-Smith - Queensland University of Technology
Michael Heazle - Griffith University
Karyn Bosomworth - RMIT University
Paul Burton - Griffith University
Publication details: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Vol.58(5), pp.757-776
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2014.891974
ISSN: 1360-0559
Organisation Unit: School of Business and Creative Industries
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991016187702621
Output Type: Journal article