1Disaster EventAn extreme heatwave occurred in south-eastern Australia, January 1939. It was long lasting with very high temperatures. On 9 January the temperature at Kyancutta (South Australia) reached 49.3 °C, the highest temperature recorded in South Australia at that time. Many temperature records were made during this heatwave, some of which have held until the recent 2009 heatwave; Adelaide, 46.1 °C, on 12 January, Melbourne, 45.6°C on 13 January, Sydney, 45.3°C on 14 January with Manly and Richmond both reaching over 47 °C. In northern New South Wales some places reached 48 °C on 15 January. Menindee in western New South Wales reached 49.7 °C. High temperatures were experienced inland in 1939; at Mildura the temperature exceeded 37.8 °C on each of the first 14 days of January, and at the peak of the heatwave, averaged 45.6°C from 7-14 January. It is estimated that more than 400 deaths in Victoria were caused by excessive heat. The strong northerly winds in 1939 over this period followed a very dry six months providing the right conditions for extreme bushfire, see the related entry for the 13 January 1939, Black Friday bushfire.1/1/1939 0:001/16/1939 0:00-33.1315155135.5578918400Victoria;New South Wales;South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=1 2Disaster EventOn 13 June 1989, exceptionally heavy rain caused strong flows in the creek system to the south and east of the EMU mine situated in Leinster. The 450 south pit adjacent to the operating mine began to rise as the blocked creek system backed up and began to spill over into it. At the same time, the main AG pit began to fill with water. The mining crew made preparation to vacate the decline. At about the time water began to overtop the narrow neck of ground between the two pits and to cascade into the south end of the main AG pit, five mining crew were attempting to retrieve a pump. The neck of ground separating the pits began to erode rapidly, increasing the rate of water flow into the AG pit. The Manager drove into the pit and down into the decline to evacuate the men. All six men drowned.6/13/1989 0:006/13/1989 0:00-27.79534912120.72875986Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=2 3Disaster EventOn 24 July 1979 an explosion occurred in the underground mine in Appin, a small town situated 35 km north-west of Wollongong. The explosion was caused by a rush of methane gas in the K panel which was a remote area of the mine situated 3 km below the surface. There were 45 individuals working in the mine at the time of the explosion. A total of 14 people lost their lives; 10 miners were killed in the crib room, while another four were killed in other areas of the mine.7/24/1979 0:007/24/1979 0:00-34.19221115150.786331214New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3 4Disaster EventOn 18 January 1977, a passenger train left Mount Victoria in the Blue Mountains for Sydney. Whilst negotiating a left hand curve 250 m west of the Granville Railway Station, the train derailed causing it to collide with the northern trestle supporting the Bold Street Bridge. The bridge collapsed on the train, destroying one carriage and crushing two others. The derailed locomotive demolished the eight stanchions of the northern trestle, sheering a power pylon from its base before overturning. Eight people died when the top of the first carriage was demolished as it caught the power pylon. The second carriage stopped clear of the bridge. The third and fourth carriages were crushed when the unsupported northern span of the 30 m wide bridge collapsed, killing 83 people. The following four carriages remained on the rails, causing injuries to 210 passengers. A Departmental and Judicial Inquiry found that poor maintenance was a critical factor, with no evidence to support any offence against the driver and the crew. On the twentieth anniversary of the disaster, a memorial was erected at Granville containing the names of the deceased.1/18/1977 0:001/18/1977 0:00-33.83146286151.0099642108311New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4 5Disaster EventThe summer of January 1939 was a period of extreme weather conditions across Australia. Scorching temperatures created ideal conditions for bushfires. The notorious 'Black Friday' bushfires had a devastating impact on Victoria however, New South Wales was also badly affected by fire during the same period. The mercury reached 45.3C in Sydney and subsequent fires erupted across the state in towns including Port Hacking, Palm Beach, Nowra, Mittagong, Goulburn, Braidwood, Bega, Parramatta, Lidcombe, Bathurst, Windsor, Castle Hill, Pennant Hills, Petersham, Earlwood, Croydon, Katoomba and other areas around the Blue Mountains. The bushfires had a devastating impact on infrastructure, including roads and railway lines. There was also a significant loss to farms and livestock and approximately fifty houses were completely destroyed by fire. Six individuals lost their lives as a direct result of the fires. It was estimated that the 1939 damage was approximately £300,000.1/13/1939 0:001/14/1939 0:00-34.42498398150.89312746New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=5 6Disaster EventOn the night of 8 April 1996, a fire broke out in Unit 31 of Victoria's largest institution housing people with intellectual disabilities. Unit 31 was a locked ward, without a sprinkler system or an adequate alarm system, and subsequently the nine residents inside were killed by the fire. A Coronial Inquest was held following the fire.4/8/1996 0:004/8/1996 0:00-37.81215668144.9636536369Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=6 7Disaster EventOn 5 April 1958 a pine plantation fire occurred in Wandilo, near Mount Gambier, where eight firefighters lost their lives. The fire started at 10.45 am and strong north, north-easterly winds forced the fire into nearby forests. Forestry and Emergency Fire Service units were dispatched and entered a clearing in the plantation. A fire storm developed and fire fighting crews were caught unprepared. Two forestry units were bogged in soft sand when trying to evacuate and another damaged a gearbox and could not move. Three people managed to survive in and out of the trucks but eight others died. The fire was brought under control early the next day.4/5/1958 0:004/6/1958 0:00-37.73846054140.773712238South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=7 8Disaster EventOn 24 October 1829, the vessel Haweis left Sydney en route to the Society Islands and New Zealand. The ship did not arrive at its destination and was never seen again. All 11 crew on board were presumed dead.24/10/1829 00:00:0024/10/1829 00:00:00-32.24996948155.6103516111New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=8 9Disaster EventOn 28 April 2006, a V/Line passenger train bound for Ararat with 36 passengers on board collided with a truck in Trawalla in country Victoria. The train's two carriages were derailed as a result of the high speed of the collision. Two people were killed and up to 20 passengers were injured. The crossing had a give way sign but no bells or boom gates. The State Government announced in early 2008 that the Trawalla crossing has been upgraded to feature boom barriers, flashing warning lights and audible warning bells.4/28/2006 0:004/28/2006 0:00-37.43626022143.4694214182Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=9 10Disaster EventOn 9 May 2006, an explosion occurred at a munitions factory in Gladstone, South Australia. Three workers were killed and two others injured. The blast destroyed the factory and leveled almost everything within a 100 m radius of the factory and was heard up to 70 km away. Emergency services were kept at a distance until bomb experts from Adelaide gave the all clear to enter the immediate vicinity of the factory. SafeWork South Australia and the Full Court of the Industrial Court found the explosion to be caused by friction in a 'ribbon blender', or chemical mixer, as a result of poor maintenance. The company was fined for failure to maintain a safe workplace and ordered to pay legal costs and compensation to the victim's families.5/9/2006 0:005/9/2006 0:00-33.26222992138.356323223South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=10 11Disaster EventOn 7 March 2007, a Garuda Indonesia Airways 737-400 aircraft had been on a domestic flight from Jakarta and over ran the runway at Yogyakarta, Indonesia after landing.The aircraft went through the airport's perimeter fence, crossed a road and an embankment, and caught fire as it came to rest in a nearby rice paddy. One of the seven crew members and 20 of the 133 passengers were killed and 12 seriously injured. Among them, five Australians were killed and a further five were injured. In 2009, the Indonesian pilot was sentenced to two years jail over the plane crash having been found guilty of negligently causing death. This ruling was later overturned on appeal.3/7/2007 0:003/7/2007 0:00-7.789532185110.421180712211Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=11 12Disaster EventTropical Cyclone George formed on 3 March 2007 in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. By the time it crossed the coast, 50 km north-east of Port Hedland on 8 March, it had intensified from a Category 3 to a Category 5 tropical cyclone. Winds generated by Tropical Cyclone George reached 154 km per hour at Port Hedland before the equipment failed. Temporary accommodation at a railway camp was severely damaged with some units breaking into pieces, causing greater damage. Of the 230 workers seeking shelter at the camp, which was 120 km south of Port Hedland, two died and 22 were injured. Damage was also reported at 3 mining camps, where 1000 people were cut off from rescuers by 275 km per hour winds. An emergency situation was declared under the Emergency Management Act on 9 March to assist areas impacted by TC George, including the local government districts of Port Hedland, Roebourne and Ashburton. Gas and oil production facilities in the region were closed for up to seven days as a result of the cyclone. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2007 damage at $8 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $12 million.3/3/2007 0:003/8/2007 0:00-20.31162643118.57525632038000000Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=12 13Disaster EventOn 28 March, the ferries HarbourCat and Pam Burridge, and the motor cruiser Merinda, collided approximately 96 m east of the Harbour Bridge and 180 m out from the shoreline of Dawes Point in the Sydney Harbour. The speed at which the vessels were travelling was estimated at 25 knots. The Master of the Pam Burridge sighted the Merinda on the bow side at a distance of approximately 20 m. At 10.50 pm, the Starboard pontoon (hull) of the Pam Burridge collided with the Starboard side of Merinda midway along its length. The Pam Burridge tore through the hull, machinery space and decking and dislodged the transom. The Merinda's fly bridge was also destroyed. Consequently, the Merinda was effectively cut in two and the occupants were either thrown into the water or left clinging onto the wreckage. Air trapped below deck in the trunk cabin kept the wreckage of Merinda afloat until the responding vessels attended. Four passengers on board Merinda died and the remaining eight required hospitalisation. Contributing factors to the collision included; poor visibility, environmental factors and human error.3/28/2007 0:003/28/2007 0:00-33.8515625151.2089539842New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=13 14Disaster EventOn 31 October 2006 at Hexham in the Hunter Valley, a thunderstorm produced hail 4 cm in diameter. The hail damaged up to 10,000 motor vehicles and stripped leaves off trees. At Wallsend a thunderstorm produced 4 cm hail, at Kahibah strong winds and 2 cm hail was reported and at New Lambton hail 3-4 cm in diameter was reported. The SES received more than 257 calls for assistance in the Newcastle city area. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2006 damage at $51 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $60 million.10/31/2006 0:0010/31/2006 0:00-32.82806015151.68470765100000010000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=14 15Disaster EventOn 23 March 2007 an accident occurred in the Burnley Tunnel Melbourne which links commuters between the city and eastern suburbs. A truck stopped in the left lane due to a blown tyre. This notified City Link monitoring control centre who activated a closed lane signal and reduced the tunnel speed limit. The accident occurred when a truck ran into cars trying to drive around the stationary truck, setting off further collisions. One of the trucks burst into flames on impact causing a large fire and explosions. Three people were killed and two injured. Evacuation of hundreds of commuters was necessary and the tunnel remained closed for several days.3/23/2007 0:003/23/2007 0:00-37.82619095144.997039824723Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=15 16Disaster EventOn 5 June 2007 the V/Line passenger train 8042 was struck by a loaded semi - trailer at a level crossing on the Murray Valley Highway approximately six km north-west of Kerang. The train was en route from Swan Hill to Melbourne and the semi-trailer was on a regular freight run from Wangaratta Victoria to Adelaide South Australia. When the incident occurred the level crossings flashing lights and warning bells were operating. The semi-trailer collided with the second passenger car of the three passenger car train. A large section of the body-side was torn away by the truck trailer and several seats on the right side of the car were torn from their mountings. The truck trailer then struck the front right corner of the third car breaching the occupied area. The draft yoke connecting the second and third cars fractured and the third car derailed both cars. Eleven train passengers died and a further 14 and the truck driver were injured. The incident was reported by the train driver and others at the scene and the emergency service unit arrived on site at 1350 hours. The Murray Valley Highway was opened to normal road traffic on 8 June 2007 and the rail line was re-opened on 12 June 2007. A coroner’s inquest in 2013 resulted in 25 recommendations, including changes to level crossing warnings and emergency response procedures.  6/5/2007 0:006/5/2007 0:00-35.76305389143.93858341411Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=16 17Disaster EventIn June 2007 there were five east coast lows off the coast of New South Wales. The first and most severe occurred over 8-9 June. Heavy rain, strong winds and large ocean swells resulted in widespread damage to coastal regions of the Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney Metropolitan areas. The Queen's birthday weekend east coast lows developed in a pre-existing trough of low pressure over the northern Tasman Sea. This trough was directing a humid north-east to south-east air stream across north-east New South Wales and there was a weak low analysed just off the coast near Coffs Harbour on 8 June. The low moved south along the New South Wales coast, before moving out into the Tasman Sea on 10 June 2007. Thunderstorms caused record breaking flooding in Newcastle, with 164.6 mm of rain falling in 6 hours from 3 pm to 9 pm, causing many shops and businesses to flood and hundreds of cars to be stranded or swept away. This storm event is often associated with the grounding of the Pasha Bulker (a 40,000 tonne bulk carrier ship) which occurred on 8 June on Nobbys Beach in Newcastle and was not re-floated until 2 July. Approximately 6000 people were evacuated from Maitland (near Newcastle) when it was considered that a levee may have burst. In the Hunter Valley it was reported as the worst flooding in 52 years. Major flooding in the Hunter River occurred from 8 to 13 June and in the Paterson and Williams River from the 8 to 9 June. Moderate flooding occurred in the Wyong, Colo and Nepean Rivers. Ferry services were cancelled on Sydney Harbour due to the weather conditions. The Cremorne wharf collapsed and sank due to large ocean swells. Beaches were eroded at many Sydney locations, due to swells up to 14 metres high. High winds blew beach sand over 100 metres inland. Over 200,000 homes reportedly lost power in the Sydney - Newcastle area due to flooding and high winds. Many thousands of homes and businesses lost telephone services when telephone exchanges were flooded. A natural disaster was declared in the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast areas. There were a total of nine fatalities associated with the storm. Nearly 20,000 calls for assistance were made to the State Emergency Service. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2007 damage at $1480 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $1742 million.6/8/2007 0:006/10/2007 0:00-32.92599487151.77886966000914800000001New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=17 18Disaster EventIn late June 2007, the Gippsland area received record rainfall associated with an intense low pressure system. The substantial rain event followed the Great Divide Bushfires, when 1.2 million hectares of public and private land were burnt and large areas of soil were left exposed. The storm in June 2007 resulted in major flooding and widespread damage. Seven rivers burst their banks causing millions of dollars of damage to homes, businesses and farms, as well as a significant loss of public and private assets. The rapidly rising floodwaters forced dozens of rescues and evacuations. One person died as a result of the flood waters. During 48 hours of torrential rain more than 1000 emergency service staff worked to save homes and shops in towns throughout Gippsland. Relief centres were set up at Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Sale, Lucknow and Loch Sport and housed up to 360 evacuees. Volunteers also provided medical aid and catering with other organisations such as the Lions Club. The State Government established a Flood Recovery Ministerial Taskforce, which assessed community need and planned the recovery program. The Taskforce announced a $60 million Flood Recovery Initiative covering among other things the cost of work on some 400 roads, bridges and 80 walking tracks spanning hundreds of km and clearing debris from the regions’ water supplies, catchments and recreation areas. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2007 damage at $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $18 million.6/27/2007 0:007/2/2007 0:00-38.2273941146.7471313115000000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=18 19Disaster EventAn explosion at 2pm on 31 July 1902, at Mt. Kembla colliery killed 94 people. The rescue coordinator and the nightshift manager also lost their lives during rescue efforts due to the effect of overpowering fumes. The cause of the explosion was found to be the ignition of firedamp or methane gas supplying a miner's light. The explosion generated a coal dust explosion that destroyed a large portion of the mine. There was a Royal Commission conducted into the origin of the explosion which determined that it was caused by the ignition of gas in the mine by the naked flames used as torches by the miners.7/31/1902 0:007/31/1902 0:00-34.43048859150.81816196New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=19 20Disaster EventOn 22 April 1887, a cyclone struck between Port Hedland and Broome, north-western Western Australia, destroying approximately four pearling schooners and 18 luggers. The exact numbers of people killed at sea is unknown, however it is thought that near 140 died.22/04/1887 00:00:0022/04/1887 00:00:00-18.8387146120.047607414022Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=20 21Disaster EventOn 22 September 2007 a historical department store in Hobart was destroyed by fire. The fire started in the Liverpool Street store between the first and second floors. The building consisted of four trading floors and was one of the largest department stores in Hobart. The building was successfully evacuated and there were no deaths or significant injuries. When the fire was at its worst, approximately 90 firefighters from Hobart and surrounding areas, more than 60 police and a number of ambulance crews were in attendance. The roof of the Liverpool Street store collapsed and the structural damage was such that the remaining four walls had to be demolished to avoid damage to neighbouring buildings. Significant damage occurred to the contents of surrounding stores. The Tasmanian Fire Service assessed the damage to the store and the surrounding businesses to cost in the vicinity of $50 million.9/22/2007 0:009/22/2007 0:00-42.88118362147.3239594500000001Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=21 22Disaster EventVictoria experienced a very adverse fire season during 2006 - 2007. Lightning ignited a number of fires on 1 December 2006 and some later merged to form what is known as the 'Great Divide Complex' fires in eastern Victoria. The area burnt mostly public land and was estimated to be in the vicinity of 1.2 and 1.3 million hectares by the end of the season. On 7 February 2007, The Great Divide fires were finally contained after 69 days. There were also a number of other fires (Tawonga Gap burned 33,500 hectares and Tatong burned 33,000). Despite the severity of the fire season, housing and private asset losses were remarkably low. In total, 51 dwellings of which 21 were classified as primary residences were destroyed and hundreds of stock and farm fencing were lost in the fires. One man died in a vehicle accident while assisting a property owner to prepare for fire impact. Thousands of community volunteers and career emergency service personnel across state, regional and community levels worked in partnership to ensure the fires were eventually brought under control. A further component to the response was the support and assistance from New Zealand, United States, Canadian and interstate colleagues. By 7 February, more than 1400 firefighters had been injured in the fire fighting effort (including bruises, cuts, blisters, burns, dehydration, broken limbs and spider bites). More than 400 St John Ambulance volunteers, including doctors, nurses and first aid officers provided medical assistance. On 16 December, 11 New Zealand firefighters were injured while fighting the fire in the Howqua Valley in north-east Victoria. On 16 January 2007 power lines were cut which severely disrupted Melbourne electricity supplies. On the same day, a fire threatened to close Tullamarine Airport. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) worked with Melbourne Water to keep the fires out of the water catchments. A significant number of people were evacuated during the fires. Relief centres were established to accommodate evacuees. Some mountain tourist complexes were evacuated due to fires including Mount Buller and Thredbo Village in New South Wales, the latter due to a fire that started from a lightning strike at Hermit Mountain and crossed the border. Victoria experienced widespread effects from the fires. Numerous schools in the high country and some parts of Gippsland were forced to close due to the fire threat and outside play at school was banned in some instances due to smoke haze. The smoke haze reportedly caused some respiratory symptoms and aggravated conditions such as asthma. Haze also ffected traffic and delayed flights in and out of Melbourne airport. On 20 December, the Environment Protection Authority recorded its worst bushfire smoke since records began, with visibility reduced to two km in Melbourne's central business district. During the fire season, the Country Fire Authority, Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria received operational assistance from other states and a significant international contingent: ACT - 37 personnel NSW - 1050 personnel NT - 108 personnel SA - 10 personnel Qld - 14 personnel WA - 20 personnel Canada - 52 personnel New Zealand - 115 personnel USA - 114 personnel The Victorian and Federal Government provided financial assistance to aid personal, physical and economic recovery from the fire disaster. The Insurance Council of Australia did not report any cost for this particular fire.12/1/2006 0:002/7/2007 0:00-36.71800995147.14521791400151Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=22 23Disaster EventOn 8 October 2007 a super-cell thunderstorm with large hailstones the size of tennis balls hit Lismore at 1.50 pm causing chaos in the central business district. There was extensive damage to central Lismore as a result of the large hail and strong winds. South Lismore was hit again on 9 October by hail 6 cm in diameter and strong winds estimated at 100 km per hour, which caused widespread damage. Approximately 20 mm rain fell in 10 minutes. Seventeen people were injured by hail or flying glass from smashed windows. Homes and motor vehicles were damaged, trees were uprooted by flash flooding and there were many power outages. Buildings were damaged including City Hall, the police station, ambulance station, hospital and other council buildings as well as small businesses. There were approximately 300 calls for assistance received by the SES. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2006 damage at $97 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $109 million.10/8/2007 0:0010/9/2007 0:00-28.80650711153.2769471797000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=23 24Disaster EventIn early October 2007, severe storms brought about heavy rain and caused widespread damage in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. There was damage to roads, bridges, houses and buildings. The State Emergency Services (SES) provided accommodation, household repairs and replacement assistance. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2007 damage at $97 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $109 million.10/7/2007 0:0010/12/2007 0:00-28.80579758153.276870797000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=24 25Disaster EventAt approximately 10.30 pm, on 23 March 2004, a hose attachment was made between the process water and the clean water pipe system in the Ranger ore processing facility, near Kakadu National Park. Early the following day, workers showering after the night shift complained of skin irritation and poor quality drinking water. There were also reports of nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting from drinking contaminated water. Energy Resources Australia (ERA) admitted there were at least 28 workers that either drank or showered in water that had 400 times the legal dose of uranium. Initial testing by ERA indicated that the water had a mild acidic ph of 4.5 and an elevated uranium content of eight parts per million. In response to this incident, ERA decided to close down both the clean water and process water systems, send non-essential staff home and conduct an orderly shutdown of the mine and all processing facilities. A report by the Department of Environment and Heritage concluded that the primary cause of the contamination of the potable water system at the Ranger mine was that an operator opened a valve connecting the water manifold at the Fine Ore Bin (FOB) Scrubber to a one inch hose. At the time of this connection, the manifold was also connected to the process water system. Unknown to this operator, the other end of the one inch hose was connected to the potable water system and the valve at that end of the hose was open. The higher pressure in the process water system caused water to flow from the process water system into the potable water supply system.3/23/2004 0:003/23/2004 0:00-12.83351898131.944335928Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=25 26Disaster EventOn 22 August 2004 a fire occurred at a shopping centre in Torrens Park, Adelaide. The deliberately lit fire caused in excess of $25 million damage and affected over 50 business owners. Fire fighting efforts saved the complex from complete destruction; half the complex was saved from the fire and many stores were open for business within a few days. The incident involved 70 firefighters, 13 pumps, two aerial appliances and three specialist vehicles and assistance from the Country Fire Service.8/22/2004 0:008/22/2004 0:00-34.97860336138.623046925000000South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=26 27Disaster EventOn 29 October 2004, a package dropped in a loading bay at a Tullamarine freight depot released toxic vapours. The solution, containing hydrochloric and formic acid, formed a smoky haze after the spill, and caused the evacuation of 400 workers and injuries to 28 people. Most of the injured sustained respiratory irritation, nausea and vomiting.10/29/2004 0:0010/29/2004 0:00-37.6662941144.848907540028Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=27 28Disaster EventOn 21 January 1986 a severe hailstorm caused extensive damage to homes, farms and crops in the Orange area of the Central Tablelands. Hail of up to 7 cm in diameter was reported and over 100 motor vehicles were damaged. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1986 damage at $25 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $160 million.1/21/1986 0:001/21/1986 0:00-33.28357697149.101272625000000100New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=28 29Disaster EventTwo lows merged in a very active monsoon trough in the Coral Sea and developed into Tropical Cyclone Justin on 7 March. Tropical Cyclone Justin sat in the Coral Sea for three days, causing high winds and huge swells and maximum intensity was recorded on 9 March. It was downgraded to a tropical low on 13 March. The cyclone then drifted north and re-intensified to tropical cyclone strength on 14 March, reaching peak intensity on 18 March before weakening and crossing the coast north-west of Cairns on 22 March. The combined effects of heavy rain, large seas and gale to storm force winds caused widespread damage in the region between Cairns and Townsville and the loss of two lives (one person by a landslide at Paluma near Townsville, and one person electrocuted by a fallen power line at Innisfail 70 km south south-east of Cairns). Earlier in Justin's life cycle 30 people were killed in Papua New Guinea and five people died when their yacht was destroyed. Justin was reportedly responsible for an estimated loss of $150 million to the agricultural industry alone.3/6/1997 0:003/24/1997 0:00-19.39195442155.8560638202Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=29 30Disaster EventOn 3 November 1927 the Greycliffe, a wooden screw steamer ferry, sank quickly when it was hit and cut in two by the liner Tahiti off Bradley's Head, Sydney Harbour. A few passengers were able to jump to safety but the ferry sank in a matter of seconds. Rescue craft were deployed and saved some people, however the 7000 ton liner swept unchecked through the wreckage drowning more and injuring others. It is estimated more than 40 died but the exact number is unknown.11/3/1927 0:0011/3/1927 0:00-33.85607147151.24409484011New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=30 31Disaster EventOn 20 January a cyclone with wind gusts estimated at 195 km per hour hit Mackay. Thirty people were killed in Mackay and Rockhampton. In Rockhampton 1400 homes were damaged by the subsequent flooding of the Fitzroy River. A storm surge created waves of up to 2.7 m which broke in the centre of the town. The cyclone generated rainfall of 1141 mm over three days which flooded the Pioneer River. Further south, the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton peaked at 9.3 m where on 23 January six people drowned. The news of the disaster did not reach the outside world for five days due to the breakdown of available communication links.1/20/1918 0:001/22/1918 0:00-21.17188644149.2073364301400Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=31 32Disaster EventOn 23 June 1998, severe storms with gale force winds affected the Northern tablelands and Hunter Valley regions of Sydney, causing damage to properties and infrastructure. Fallen power lines created a power outage for over 7000 homes and demand for power reached record levels on the night of 23 June. The State Emergency Service reported that across the State more than 2000 requests for assistance had been received; almost 1800 of which were received from the Hunter Valley. The worst affected areas were Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Newcastle and Port Stephens. One woman drowned in flooded waters at Crookwell. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $12 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $39 million.<6/23/1998 0:006/24/1998 0:00-32.7326355151.5579376112000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=32 33Disaster EventOn 4 June 1942 the Iron Crown, a steel single screw steamship ore carrier, quickly sank after being struck on the port side by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine, in an act of war. The vessel was located 44 nautical miles off Gabo Island. Only five crew survived, the remaining 37 died.6/4/1942 0:006/4/1942 0:00-37.57271194149.90475465371Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=33 34Disaster EventOn 18 March 1990, a hailstorm spread from Camden south-west of Sydney to Narrabeen Beach on Sydney's northern region. The hail measured up to 8 cm and caused severe damage to approximately 14,000 homes and businesses and 9000 motor vehicles. Winds reached 109 km per hour at Bankstown. Nine kilometres of power lines were brought down and roads were closed from flash flooding. The State Emergency Service received more than 3500 calls for help in the first two days after the storm with assistance being provided to approximately 2000 homes. Twenty-five people sustained serious injury. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1999 damage at $319 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $1297 million.3/18/1990 0:003/18/1990 0:00-33.91615677151.03575131002531900000014009000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=34 35Disaster EventOn 25 January 1937 a severe storm developed near Castle Hill and moved south-east causing damage in the areas of Ryde, Rydalmere, Homebush, Concord, Strathfield, Burwood, Marrickville, Mascot and Botany Bay. Four people died and many were injured as a result of this storm.1/25/1937 0:001/25/1937 0:00-33.8731575151.20693974New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=35 36Disaster EventOn 19 January 1997, temperatures soared above 40 °C and northerly winds were gusting at 70 km per hour contributing to two damaging bushfires near Melbourne. The fires in Mt Eliza burnt two homes and evacuations were required at Mt Martha, Arthur's Seat and the Mornington Peninsula. Approximately 250 bushfires burnt areas of Victoria on 21 January, a 41.2 °C day. The worst affected areas were Ferny Creek, Upwey and Kalorama in the Dandenong Ranges where it took 1,500 firefighters and six water-bombing aircraft to control the 3,700 ha forest blaze. In addition to the two houses at Mt Eliza, 41 houses were destroyed and 45 damaged in the Dandenongs. Three people died (at Ferny Creek) and approximately 40 were injured throughout the State. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1997 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $29 million.1/19/1997 0:001/21/1997 0:00-37.88122559145.3422699800403290000004543Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=36 37Disaster EventThe Frisk was a wooden two mast brig. It embarked on 25 January 1853, en route from Liverpool to Melbourne. It wrecked off Point Nepean when trying to enter Port Phillip Heads without a pilot 28 May 1853. Five people drowned and there were five survivors. Marmion wrecked one hour earlier in the same vicinity.28/05/1853 00:00:0028/05/1853 00:00:00-38.29532623144.622482351Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=37 38Disaster EventThe schooner Vixen was on voyage from Brisbane to Newcastle, carrying a cargo of timber. On 1 September the ship was lost and five crew members died.01/09/1847 00:00:0001/09/1847 00:00:00-29.33429718153.369140651Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=38 39Disaster EventOn 10 April 1860 the Rembrandt, a wooden barque, left Newcastle and met westerly gales that carried away most of her sail. It was also swamped by huge waves resulting in several major leaks. Six days later the boat began to settle and sank off Ninety Mile Beach in eastern Victoria on the Gippsland coast. Ten people drowned.18/04/1860 00:00:0018/04/1860 00:00:00-38.2122879147.4447632101Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=39 40Disaster EventOn 6 May 1990, a Sydney-bound commuter train travelling from Newcastle crashed into the rear of a stalled chartered steam train. The 3801 locomotive, also bound for Sydney, had stopped on a rise from the Hawkesbury River and was building up steam to get up the grade (Cowan Bank) when the Sydney bound train emerged from the Boronia tunnel near Brooklyn and collided with the 3801. The accident happened 5 km south of the Brooklyn Bridge, between the Hawkesbury River and the town of Cowan. A total of 93 people were injured and six people died. The front of the four-carriage Sydney train was derailed in the accident. An interim ban was placed on the use of steam locomotives on the New South Wales railway system. A Coronial inquiry found that a railway signal fault occurred due to sand being dumped on the rail by the driver of 3801 to provide traction when the train went into a violent wheel-spin as it approached the Boronia tunnel. A handbrake in one of the steam train's carriages may have been partially applied, the inquiry found, to cause the train to slow down. Just outside the tunnel, the driver opened the valve to full throttle and the steam train pulled to a complete stop and more sand was applied to the rails. While the 3801 was attempting to climb the hill, the Sydney - Newcastle train was stopped at a red signal on the other side of the tunnel. The lights apparently fluctuated from red to green seemingly because of sand on the rails. When the lights stayed permanently on the green the urban train moved forward through the tunnel, when the crash with 3801 occurred. The force of the impact destroyed the last carriage of the historic train and demolished the front carriage of the Sydney train. Those involved in the incident were cleared of blame, however, it was said that although the signals had tested satisfactorily, the sand applied to the line by 3801 may have caused them to malfunction on the day.5/6/1990 0:005/6/1990 0:00-33.54511642151.22560129362New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=40 41Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Winifred registered as a category three cyclone and recorded wind gusts up to 175 km per hour, near Cowley Beach south of Innisfail. Damage and disruption extended from north of Cairns to Cardwell and inland on a narrow front to Ravenshoe. The areas that suffered flooding were between Babinda and Tully. The tide gauge at Clump Point recorded a storm surge of 1.6 m, wave run-up on beaches was approximately 2 m above the astronomical tide. Significant 24 hour rainfalls during the period were Topaz 304 mm, Ravenshoe 373 mm, Tully 212 mm, lnnisfail 221 mm and Babinda 251 mm. There were three deaths. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1986 damage at $40 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $205 million.1/27/1986 0:002/5/1986 0:00-17.69570732146.1140442340000000150012Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=41 42Disaster EventOn 4 March 1899 a category five cyclone hit Bathurst Bay with winds reaching 260 km per hour. A tsunami of 14.6 m swept inland for 5 km. A wave surge measuring 13 m at Ninian Bay adjacent to Barrow Point 30 km south of Bathurst Bay extended inland for 3-5 km. The pearling fleet was damaged with 400 people losing their lives.04/03/1899 00:00:0010/03/1899 00:00:00-14.1152668144.338378940055Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=42 43Disaster EventIn late March 2002 a large outbreak of food poisoning was reported in Melbourne. More than 272 people sought medical care, with 15 being admitted to hospital. The onset of gastroenteritis was within one to four hours after consumption of a meal of rice, lamb and potatoes served at a New Year festival. The cause of the outbreak was believed to be inadequate storage and handling of leftover food.3/25/2002 0:003/25/2002 0:00-37.81324387144.9628906272Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=43 44Disaster EventAt dawn on 13 August 1989, five hot air balloons were operating tourist flights approximately 25 km south of Alice Springs. Two of the hot air balloons, VH-WMS and VH-NMS, collided as VH-WMS descended and VH-NMS ascended. The envelope of the ascending VH-NMS struck the basket of the other hot air balloon, and a hole was torn in the fabric panels and seams. This caused VH-NMS to descend as hot air escaped and the envelope deflated rapidly. The basket then plummeted to the ground, killing its driver and the 12 passengers on board.8/13/1989 0:008/13/1989 0:00-23.905299133.90514413Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=44 45Disaster EventOn 26 December 1935 the Paringa, a steel single screw steamship, was towing the old tanker Vincas out of Western Port when the ships met a gale off Wilsons Promontory. The line parted and the Paringa disappeared in the darkness. It reportedly foundered in Bass Strait shortly after. As a result all 31 people on board lost their lives.    12/26/1935 0:0012/26/1935 0:00-39.15988159146.2939453311Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=45 46Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Glenda moved south 500 km east of Brisbane, resulting in large waves that eroded Gold Coast beaches. Waves up to 16 m off the South Queensland coast were reported. Six people died in two separate boating incidents.4/2/1967 0:004/4/1967 0:00-27.7224369157.71972666Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=46 47Disaster EventThe Peruvian was damaged at sea due to heavy weather in the surrounding area of Bellona or Minerva reefs. Twenty-two passengers escaped by raft. After 42 days drifting at sea, 14 people died from exposure and sometime later three more died. Of the remaining four survivors that made it to land, only one survived.18/03/1846 00:00:0018/03/1846 00:00:00-20.98195648159.0161133211Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=47 48Disaster EventIn February 1978 severe storms affected Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. Wind gusts reached 141 km per hour at Newcastle, causing extensive damage to buildings and the loss of power to many homes. In total eight people were injured as a result of this storm. A tornado accompanied a thunderstorm in the Drummoyne and Hunters Hill areas of Sydney. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1978 damage at $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $215 million.2/10/1978 0:002/11/1978 0:00-32.92599487151.7788696815000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=48 49Disaster EventOn 19 November 1941, HMAS Sydney and the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran met in a naval engagement in the south-east Indian ocean, 150 nautical miles off the Western Australian coast. Both ships caught fire after sustained attack. The Sydney with the port quarter ablaze drifted away in the darkness and was not seen again. The entire complement of crew, 42 officers and 603 ratings, were lost. Survivors from the Kormoran (315) were eventually rescued by Australian search parties. The Sydney was the first Royal Australian Navy cruiser to be lost. The wrecks of the Kormoran and HMAS Sydney were found off the coast of Western Australia in March 2008. The wreckage of the Kormoran was found first approximately 100 nautical miles off Steep Point, north of Geraldton, in water more than two kilometres deep, and the Sydney was found just ten nautical miles west.11/19/1941 0:0011/19/1941 0:00-22.2687645111.26953136451Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=49 50Disaster EventOn 18 April 1990 after several weeks of heavy rain over Queensland, a strong upper level low dumped upwards of 150 mm of rain with exceptional totals to 350 mm across large areas of central Queensland over a three day period. Already saturated catchments were inundated and major flooding quickly developed on the Warrego and Maranoa Rivers and many other inland systems. The towns of Jericho and Augathella were flooded and a section of the Longreach railway was washed away. On the morning of 21 April, the Warrego River was rising rapidly. Later the same day the river peaked at over 8.5 m which was 1.5 m above the previous record. Levee banks protecting the town were ineffective and floodwaters spread through the town, necessitating the entire population of 3500 to be evacuated to the airport. Many residents climbed to their rooftops and had to be rescued by helicopter. The low then moved south-east and torrential rains were experienced across large areas of New South Wales west of the Divide. There was major flooding on the Lachlan, Macquarie and Castlereagh Rivers, among others. The Bogan river flooded into Nyngan. Despite the residents' ttempts to raise the levee banks by sand bagging, the levees could not withstand the flood and on the 23 April, as the river surged to 5.2 m, nearly one metre higher than the previous record, most of the town was inundated. The population of 2500 was evacuated to Dubbo, 160 km away. The low then moved towards Victoria and produced torrential rains over Gippsland on 20 and 21 April with up to 350 mm recorded over the two day period. Major flooding occurred on the Thomson, Avon and Mitchell Rivers. Hectares of vegetable crops were destroyed by flood waters and highways cut. People were evacuated from low-lying areas. It total 150 homes were flooded. Property losses from the three-state flood were considerable.Towns and houses flooded, infrastructure was destroyed or damaged, thousands of sheep and cattle drowned and thousands of hectares of ruined crops. The floods claimed six lives. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1990 damage at $30 million with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $99 million.4/21/1990 0:004/30/1990 0:00-31.54109001147.19757085000630000000New South Wales;Victoria;Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=50 51Disaster EventThe Geltwood was a three mast iron barque. It was en route from Liverpool to Sydney and Melbourne with a general cargo and 27 passengers when it hit a storm off the south-eastern coast of South Australia. It was driven to shore on 14 June 1876. Sometime later a boundary rider stumbled across the wreckage and human remains in the sand 14 miles from Millicent, South Australia. In total 30 lives were lost.14/06/1876 00:00:0014/06/1876 00:00:00-37.66126633140.1385193301South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=51 52Disaster EventOn 2 October 1989, two buses collided on Adelaide’s O-Bahn (high speed busway). There were 78 people injured. The accident occurred 5 km north-east of the city, when a bus moving off the track onto the interchange was hit from behind by a second bus. 10/2/1989 0:0010/2/1989 0:00-34.92675781138.599487378South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=52 53Disaster EventOn 19 February 1942, 188 Japanese planes were launched against Darwin. Australia came under attack for the first time when Japanese forces mounted two air raids. The two attacks, which were planned and led by the commander responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbour ten weeks earlier, involved 54 land based bombers. They were launched from four Japanese aircraft carriers in the Timor Sea. The first attack ceased after approximately 40 minutes. The second attack, which began an hour later, involved high altitude bombing of the Royal Australian Air Force base at Parap which lasted for 20 - 25 minutes. The two raids killed at least 243 people and 300 - 400 were wounded. Twenty military aircraft were destroyed; eight ships at anchor in the harbour were sunk. The air attacks on Darwin continued until November 1943, by which time the Japanese had bombed Darwin 64 times. Image: Wartime Bombing Raids, Darwin, 1942. McNeil, Australian War Memorial2/19/1942 0:002/19/1942 0:00-12.47060394130.8434753400243291510Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=53 54Disaster EventOn 13 January 1996, two freight trains collided at a crossing loop at Hines Hill 264 km east of Perth. One train was conveying diesel fuel oil which was struck in the collision. On impact the two trains exploded into fire. Two people died in the collision. The estimated damage to wagons from the accident was $10 million.1/13/1996 0:001/13/1996 0:00-31.530181118.07870512Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=54 55Disaster EventThe Georgina was a vessel lost ashore in a gale near Hobart, in April 1948, exact date unknown. Another vessel Spy was also lost in this gale. Three people died, it is presumed over both vessels. 01/04/1848 00:00:0001/04/1848 00:00:00-42.88973618147.34764131Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=55 56Disaster EventThe HMAS Goorangai was en route from Queenscliff to Portsea on 20 November 1940. It sank within minutes when it collided with MV Duntroon, which was loaded with troops. All 24 people on board died.11/20/1940 0:0011/20/1940 0:00-38.28919601144.68710332411Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=56 57Disaster EventOn 9 August 1972 the Nieuw Holland, a steamship, collided with the tug boat Melbourne. The tug boat sank half a mile from Gellibrand Pier Williamstown, Port Phillip. Five men on the tug drowned.8/9/1972 0:008/9/1972 0:00-37.8773613144.914825451Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=57 58Disaster EventOn 28 December 1989 at 10.27 am, an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale hit Newcastle. The earthquake's epicentre was approximately 15 km from Newcastle's central business district. The earthquake caused widespread damage to infrastructure including roads, bridges and power lines. It also caused damage to 50,000 buildings, including 40,000 homes. As a result 13 individuals lost their lives and 160 sustained various injuries. In February 1990, Cyclone Nancy dumped a large amount of rain on Newcastle, which increased the rate of movement in some structures and prompted the discovery of leaks in buildings that had previously been considered structurally sound after the earthquake. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1989 damage at $862 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $3240 million.12/28/1989 0:0012/29/1989 0:00-32.92592239151.7787018160138620000004000050000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=58 59Disaster EventOn 5 January 1998 at 3.15pm, a severe storm with hail and strong winds struck the western New South Wales town of Nyngan. Damage to property included four houses destroyed and 77 houses sustaining significant damage. Public buildings, schools and shops were also damaged. There was widespread damage to infrastructure including electricity lines, water and sewage. One person was injured. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $12 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $27 million.1/5/1998 0:001/5/1998 0:00-31.53523827147.1920776112000000774New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=59 60Disaster EventIn the summer of 1909 - 1910 it is estimated that 109 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/9/1909 0:002/10/1910 0:00-33.87330246151.2070618109Queensland;New South Wales;Tasmania;Australian Capital Territory;Northern Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=60 61Disaster EventOn 5 March 1887, a cyclone hit Burketown on the Gulf of Carpentaria. It arrived at approximately 11 am in the form of strong storm winds from the south-east. The storm continued for 12 hours; it destroyed almost the entire township and caused the death of seven from a population of just 138. The telegraph line was completely destroyed. A storm surge accompanied the cyclone, arriving at 7 pm and flooding the town. There were great losses of stock, horses and goats.05/03/1887 00:00:0005/03/1887 00:00:00-17.73102951139.542167Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=61 62Disaster EventA gas explosion caused the deaths of four workers at the New Ebbw Vale No 3 mine at Woodend, approximately one mile from Ipswich. The explosion was the result of a naked flame exposed to gas and caused debris, concrete and timber to propel more than 200 ft in the air. The explosion caused the mine to collapse, entombing the men, although it is thought they were killed immediately by the impact. This was the first fatality at the New Ebbw Vale No 3 mine after eleven years of production.2/1/1945 0:002/1/1945 0:00-27.60289574152.75193794Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=62 63Disaster EventStarting in late December 1993 and continuing through into January 1994, New South Wales experienced an extended period of extreme fire weather. It occurred north of Sydney to the Queensland boarder and south of Sydney as far as Bateman's Bay. A total of 800,000 ha was destroyed by approximately 800 different fire related incidents. There was a large response effort issued by Governments and the New South Wales community. Volunteers combined with military personal were utilized for property protection, support activities and relief assistance. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1993/1994 damage at $59 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $215 million.12/27/1993 0:001/16/1994 0:00-29.58524513152.7775879459000000206New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=63 64Disaster EventThe Moolgewanke was an iron paddle steamer. It operated on the Murray River at Swan Reach, South Australia. A boiler explosion occurred on 21 July 1874. Three people died and one person was injured. The Moolgewanke was rebuilt and operated as a steamer until 1878, when her engines were removed and placed in the new vessel, PS Paringa. Moolgewanke continued working as a barge and was finally taken from the register in 1904, when it was stated she had burnt and was abandoned at Wentworth.21/07/1874 00:00:0021/07/1874 00:00:00-34.57414627139.5933075131South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=64 65Disaster EventOn 19 October 1887 the Cheviot, an iron two mast schooner-rigged screw steamer, was en route from Sydney to Newcastle. It had successfully cleared Port Phillip Heads in very rough conditions but lost the propeller soon after. The Cheviot was driven ashore wrecked. Attempts were made from Queenscliff to rescue passengers. Twenty four passengers were saved and 35 people died.19/10/1887 00:00:0019/10/1887 00:00:00-38.31795502144.589691224351Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=65 66Disaster EventOn 24 April 1974, severe flash flooding caused heavy damage in Sydney's western suburbs and the Blue Mountains. During this period approximately 200 mm of rain fell. One person died as a result of the flooding. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1974 damage at $20 million, with the 2011 normalised cost of $509 million.4/24/1974 0:004/24/1974 0:00-33.75153351150.6912231120000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=66 67Disaster EventCentral, northern and coastal towns throughout Queensland were subject to multiple tropical cyclones, resulting in heavy rain causing widespread flooding. Towns affected include Townsville, Rockhampton, Mt Morgan, Cairns, Coolangatta, Byron Bay, Mossman and Herbert. There was widespread damage to infrastructure. Buildings, homes and farms were badly damaged in south-east Queensland, and there were heavy losses to crops and livestock. One hundred people were evacuated at Lismore due to flood levels.2/20/1929 0:002/28/1929 0:00-23.37712288150.51007081003Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=67 68Disaster EventFires in the Dandenong Ranges and on the outskirts of Melbourne caused eight fatalities and destroyed over 450 houses. Areas severely affected include The Basin, Christmas Hills, Kinglake, St Andrews, Hurstbridge, Warrandyte and Mitcham. The bushfires came within 20 km of the city of Melbourne and were considered the worst fires since 1939.1/14/1962 0:002/16/1962 0:00-37.85620117145.315933225008454Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=68 69Disaster EventOn 16 November 1989, a hail storm hit Ballarat resulting in damage to houses and cars. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1989 damage at $20 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $81 million.11/16/1989 0:0011/16/1989 0:00-37.56158829143.856231720000000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=69 70Disaster EventFlooding on 10 February affected Sydney, Camden, Lismore, Taree and Moruya, resulting in six deaths. The Hawkesbury River recorded a height of 14.31 m at the Windsor Bridge (NOTE: a new gauge at Windsor Bridge reduced measurements by 30.5 cm). The flooding caused main evacuation routes to be closed and loss of power to Richmond and Windsor including west of the Hawkesbury River. The McGraths Hill sewerage plant was interrupted; electricity cut to Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley's low lying areas, including widespread power blackouts through flood bound areas of the State. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1978 damage at $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $215 million.2/10/1978 0:002/10/1978 0:00-33.59460449150.7513123615000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=70 71Disaster EventThe Craigburn was an iron four mast barque bound for New Zealand. The vessel was being towed through Port Phillip Heads by the tug boat 'Rescue' when the towline broke. Anchors were dropped but they dragged, leaving the vessel vulnerable. The captain refused to leave the ship or accept assistance from two other tug boats that were in the vicinity. The Craigburn, carrying 12 people, capsized and six people died. 08/05/1891 00:00:0008/05/1891 00:00:00-38.47939682144.6693426Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=71 72Disaster EventOn Monday 17th August 1987, a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage unit caught fire and subsequently created a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) at a Cairns gas terminal. The LPG unit was carrying approximately 40,000 litres of LPG when it collapsed in the immense heat creating a fireball that killed one person and injured 27, including three firefighters.8/17/1987 0:008/17/1987 0:00-16.92261696145.7739868271Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=72 73Disaster EventOn 14 October 1841, the Rover was lost at Broulee Bay on the south coast. The two mast wooden schooner broke apart in rough conditions. The vessel was carrying 23 passengers and crew, including convicts. As a result, 12 individuals including the captain lost their lives in the incident. Many indigenous Australians led the way in the rescue effort managing to save 11 people.14/10/1841 00:00:0014/10/1841 00:00:00-35.84926605150.1885986121New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=73 74Disaster EventIn the first week of May widespread flooding and heavy rainfall was reported in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. A tidal surge created by a low pressure system caused above average tidal conditions. In addition, Brisbane water catchment areas recorded up to 1000 mm. The worst affected areas were Brisbane and the Darling Downs region. Furthermore the extreme weather conditions also affected the Lockyer creek, Bremer and Logan rivers. Both Queensland and New South Wales reported extensive damage to farming areas, including vegetable and cotton crops. There were five deaths recorded. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1996 damage at $31 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $134 million.5/1/1996 0:005/9/1996 0:00-27.37176704150.490722720531000000New South Wales;Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=74 75Disaster EventOn 25 June 1852 the Murrumbidgee River at Gundagai experienced an extreme flood that swept through most of the town and the surrounding countryside, leaving only three houses standing. In total 89 people died which was approximately one third of the entire population. Gundagai was later relocated to a higher and safer position.  25/06/1852 00:00:0025/06/1852 00:00:00-35.06316376148.107543916089New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=75 76Disaster EventAt approximately 4.40 pm on 18 November 2001, a large explosion ripped through the No.1 port topside ballast tank of MV Nego Kim which was a cargo ship. The ship was anchored approximately 15 nautical miles north of Dampier and was undergoing interior painting. The explosion caused the tank to rupture and three men instantly died. Four other men were also blown over the ship's side. One man, who had been inside the tank, survived but was severely burned. He was airlifted ashore but 18 days later he died in hospital as a result of his injuries. A search and rescue operation was initiated, using various surface vessels and aircraft as they became available, in the hope of finding the four men who had been blown overboard. The body of one of the men was recovered from the water at approximately 1.25 the next day, 19 November. The search was continued until last light on 21 November, but none of the other three crew members were found. The cause of the explosion was found to be the ignition of accumulated flammable mixture of air and paint fumes in the inadequately ventilated tank.11/18/2001 0:0011/18/2001 0:00-20.65744209116.703254781Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=76 77Disaster EventOn the 13 February 1978 an explosion occurred outside the Hilton Hotel in Sydney. At the time of the attack India's Prime Minister was staying at the Hilton for a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and was identified as the target of the attack. Three people died as a result of the incident.2/13/1978 0:002/13/1978 0:00-33.87180328151.20814513New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=77 78Disaster EventOn 28 January 1908, approximately 40 people were injured when an engine and four rail trucks derailed beyond Belgrave station. A low embankment slowed the train and prevented a more serious accident occurring on a trestle bridge.1/28/1908 0:001/28/1908 0:00-37.908958145.35401340Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=78 79Disaster EventOn 18 July 1910 a train en route to Melbourne from Elsternwick ran into the back of a Melbourne bound Brighton train in foggy conditions at Richmond Station. The signals were obscured by the weather and could only be seen when the train was adjacent to them. Despite the very slow speed of the second train, the damage done was significant; the impact propelled the engine heading the Brighton train forward 27 m. Nine people died and 114 people were injured.7/18/1910 0:007/18/1910 0:00-33.59674835150.752685511492Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=79 80Disaster EventOn 23 August, 1963, a Sydney bound Bourke Mail train carrying 110 passengers was steaming towards Geurie station 29 km from Dubbo. Ahead was another train waiting on the mail train to pass. The front end of this train was crossing the main line and was hit by the mail train at an estimated speed of 32 km per hour. In total 22 passengers were injured.8/23/1963 0:008/23/1963 0:00-32.3973732148.83053592242New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=80 81Disaster EventAn earthquake occurred at Beachport on 10 May 1897; it was considered to be the largest in South Australia since 1837. Substantial damage occurred in the South East of the state at Kingston, Robe and Beachport, and some minor damage was experienced in Adelaide. Shocks were felt as far away as Port Augusta and Melbourne and aftershocks around Kingston continued for many months. Approximately 50 people sustained injuries.10/05/1897 00:00:0010/05/1897 00:00:00-37.16278076139.755355850South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=81 82Disaster EventEric the Red was a wooden three mast ship. It was wrecked near Otway Reef on 3 September 1880. Four lives were lost. 03/09/1880 00:00:0003/09/1880 00:00:00-38.88301468143.52470441Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=82 83Disaster EventThe Kyeema Air Crash occurred 25 October 1938. The aircraft was en route from Adelaide to Essendon Airport with 14 passengers and four crew onboard. It hit heavy cloud after crossing the Great Dividing Range, leading the pilot to mistake Sunbury for Daylesford. It crashed into the western slopes at the top of Mt Dandenong. All on board died.10/25/1938 0:0010/25/1938 0:00-37.83002472145.3504333181Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=83 84Disaster EventOn 30 May 1949, a double-decker bus crash occurred near Spit Bridge in the northern suburbs of Sydney. Four people were killed and 33 injured. This accident led to the decision that a new four-lane lift bridge would replace the old wooden structure.5/30/1949 0:005/30/1949 0:00-33.79455185151.28413393341New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=84 85Disaster EventThe Ly-Ee-Moon was an iron single screw steamer. It left Melbourne for Sydney on 29 May 1886 carrying 45 passengers and crew. The following evening as the streamer passed Gabo Island it ran onto a reef in full view of the Green Cape Lighthouse. It broke in two almost immediately. The forward section containing the saloon and forecastle where many passengers were situated was swept close to shore leaving many trapped below. There were 16 survivors and in total 71 lives were lost.30/05/1886 00:00:0030/05/1886 00:00:00-37.54811478149.902435316711New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=85 86Disaster EventOn 8 April 1924 the Wyrallah, an iron twin screw steamship, collided with the SS Dilkerra and sank outside Port Phillip Heads having been nearly cut in half. Six people drowned. Nine people jumped to safety onto the Dilkerra.4/8/1924 0:004/8/1924 0:00-38.29640579144.635009861Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=86 87Disaster EventDuring the summer between 1974 and 1975, Australia experienced its worst bushfire season in 30 years. Approximately 15 per cent of Australia's physical land mass sustained extensive fire damage. This equates to roughly around 117,000,000 ha. New South Wales was badly affected and there was widespread damage to infrastructure, including communications, roads, railways and property fencing. There was also significant damage to agriculture and horticulture industries, as famers lost crops and livestock to the fires. The areas affected included Cobar Shire, Balranald, Glendale and regions around the Lower Hunter. Three people lost their lives in New South Wales. The overall damage cost was estimated at approximately $5 million.12/1/1974 0:002/1/1975 0:00-31.49797058145.8381958350000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=87 88Disaster EventOn 15 January 2001, maximum temperatures reached 46 °C degrees at the Sydney suburb of Penrith before a cool change moved through with accompanying wind gusts up to 113 km per hour. The wind impacted Sydney's metropolitan area, and caused considerable damage to property, trees and fences and thousands of homes lost electricity. Affected regions of New South Wales were declared natural disaster areas. Residents from the regions of Shoalhaven to Sydney and the Lower Hunter met the criteria for emergency government assistance. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $12 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $24 million.1/15/2001 0:001/15/2001 0:00-33.84646606151.230758712000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=88 89Disaster EventOn 23 December 1837 the vessel Brothers, a wooden cutter, was wrecked off Nobbys Head at Newcastle. Three crew members died.23/12/1837 00:00:0023/12/1837 00:00:00-32.92840958151.806686431New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=89 90Disaster EventHeavy gales and high seas caused the sinking of the S.S. Dandenong. The steamer was near Jervis Bay in New South Wales when the propeller shaft broke and began to fill with water. The first life boat launched crashed into the Barque Albert William which was nearby and most occupants drowned. The second lifeboat reached the Albert William safely, however a collision occurred between the second and the third lifeboat, costing more lives. In total, 30 people were left on the Dandenong, which finally sank at first light.11/09/1876 00:00:0012/09/1876 00:00:00-35.16117859150.782547441New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=90 91Disaster EventOn 7 February near Boonah south-west of Brisbane, three people drowned at a flooded road crossing. The flash flood affected the Logan system and Warrill Creek catchments, it was reported up to 250 mm of rain fell in six hours.2/7/1991 0:002/11/1991 0:00-27.99690247152.6821594103Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=91 92Disaster EventThe S.S. Douglas Mawson was a wooden ketch rigged twin screw steamer, owned by the Government and operated along the northern Queensland coast between Cairns and the Gulf of Carpentaria. On 29 March 1923 it disappeared en route from Burketown to Thursday Island due to a cyclone near Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory side of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The 20 people on board died. However, there were rumours of two survivors, but these remain unconfirmed. A marine board of inquiry was set up to establish the cause of the wreck and concluded that the absence of a barometer was a major contributing factor, as it was likely that without one the Douglas Mawson steamed straight into the cyclone unaware. Wreckage was identified on the Arnhem Land coast approximately 12 months after the incident.3/29/1923 0:003/29/1923 0:00-14.47723389140.7348633201Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=92 93Disaster EventSevere hail storms were recorded during the period 3 - 6 November 1995 in south-east Queensland. Large hail caused extensive damage to over 300 homes and many cars in Brisbane. One person died when a small boat was struck by lightning on Moreton Bay. Many trees and powerlines fell causing widespread blackouts to approximately 100,000 homes. Large hail brought destruction to fruit, vegetable and grain crops, particularly in the Granite Belt region. Other areas seriously affected included Beenleigh and Beaudesert. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1995 damage at $40 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $166 million.11/3/1995 0:0011/6/1995 0:00-27.47093391153.0234985140000000300Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=93 94Disaster EventOn 2 August 1863 the Julia, a wooden two mast brigantine, was en route from Adelaide to Melbourne when it was damaged by a gale off Cape Jaffa and forced ashore at Fitzroy River near Portland. All aboard were saved, however, a whale boat that left the whaling station in Portland to assist capsized in heavy seas drowning six occupants.02/08/1863 00:00:0002/08/1863 00:00:00-38.34098434141.61456362Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=94 95Disaster EventFrom April 1982 to March 1983, almost all of eastern Australia was severely affected by drought. Large parts of south-eastern Australia suffered their lowest rainfall on record. The impact of the 'Great Dry' was felt most in farming areas with massive crop and livestock losses. A total of 86 million sheep and 14 million cattle died as a result. Wheat production fell by 37 per cent, with similar falls in barley, oats, rice, cotton and sugar. Dust storms caused the loss of millions of dollars worth of topsoil.4/1/1982 0:003/1/1983 0:00-28.92163086145.6127933000000000Tasmania;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;Northern Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=95 96Disaster EventOn 21 March 1852 the Isabella Watson, a wooden three mast ship, was en route from London to Melbourne with 50 passengers on board. It struck a sunken reef off Point Nepean losing the rudder and capsized in a violent squall. Nine died when the mast fell across the rescue boat and overturned it. 21/03/1852 00:00:0021/03/1852 00:00:00-38.278012144.63681291Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=96 97Disaster EventThe Spanish flu swept across the world in three waves between 1918 and 1919 and killed up to three times the amount of people that died in World War One. It tended to stay in a location for up to 12 weeks and then would suddenly disappear, almost as quickly as it had arrived, only to return several months later. The Spanish flu reached Australia in 1919; it was held at bay partly by strict maritime quarantines implemented by the government. The virus began in Victoria, moved to New South Wales then to the rest of Australia. By the end of 1919 (when the Australian population was just over five million), approximately 10,000 Australians, mostly young adults, between the ages of 15 and 35 had died of influenza.1/1/1918 0:0012/31/1919 0:00-37.81215668144.962890610000Australian Capital Territory;Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=97 98Disaster EventA fire occurred on 27 October 1948 at an Adelaide restaurant / cafe which was a three storey building in King William Street. Flames from a griller on the ground floor ignited the ventilation flues and flames spread quickly to the upper floors. The manager arranged evacuation of the diners without incident. The restaurant staff, approximately 40 altogether, were trapped for a time on the lower floors. There were five fatalities.10/27/1948 0:0010/27/1948 0:00-34.92608643138.59956365South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=98 99Disaster EventOn 17 May 1866 the Ellen Simpson, a wooden three mast barque, was en route from Newcastle to Melbourne when it was lost in a gale eight nautical miles off Cape Howe. Nine lives lost when the vessel broke in two. There were two survivors with one injured.17/05/1866 00:00:0017/05/1866 00:00:00-37.50918198149.9960022191Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=99 100Disaster EventOn 8 February 1860 heavy rainfall fell in the Araluen and Braidwood regions. Consequently severe floods caused major destruction and resulted in the deaths of 24 people.08/02/1860 00:00:0013/02/1860 00:00:00-35.440813149.79858424New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=100 101Disaster EventA Kempsey bound train travelling downhill into the town of Brooklyn crashed into a bus at a level crossing at the Brooklyn station. In total 17 people died and five were injured. 1/20/1944 0:001/20/1944 0:00-33.54708099151.226425251711New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=101 102Disaster EventThis drought occurred across most of Australia between 1918 and 1920 is considered to be one of the nation's major droughts. New South Wales The drought was particularly severe in the northern, western and central parts of the state. Bushfires and heatwaves were common. By February 1919 Sydney was on water restrictions. In October 1919 the government paid a £1 million grant to farmers, due to low yields on wheat, reduction in butter production and sheep losses were approximately 10 million. Tasmania The orchards in the Derwent Valley were hard hit and in many areas water was carted by rail. Queensland By the end of 1918 the whole of the state was affected. Many rivers dried up. Darling Downs and surrounding areas were worst hit. The farming sector was severely impacted with reduced production in wheat, sugar and butter; and sheep losses totalled approximately 1.5 million. Victoria The drought impact was much less severe in Victoria than the other states. South Australia Lake Eyre and surrounding districts were affected the most. Some crops were a total failure resulting in a low wheat yield. Many sheep and cattle perished. Western Australia Sheep and cattle losses were high in the Fortescue area. Droughts affects were also significant in the Kimberley and around Murchison. Northern Territory The drought hit the whole of the Territory but conditions were worse in the central parts reaching disaster levels when the number of sheep fell by 85 per cent.1/1/1918 0:001/2/1920 0:00-28.13012886137.2961426Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=102 103Disaster EventFrom January to March 1952, bushfires ravaged many parts of Victoria and claimed ten lives. Approximately 1,500,000 hectares were burnt resulting in seven million pounds in damage.1/1/1952 0:003/1/1952 0:00-36.68604279147.150878910Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=103 104Disaster EventThe Whisky Au Go-Go nightclub was bombed at 2:10 am on 8 March 1973. As a result the nightclub caught fire and 15 patrons died from asphyxiation. Two men were tried and convicted for the murders.3/8/1973 0:003/8/1973 0:00-27.45536041153.03219615Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=104 105Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Rewa formed east of the Solomon Islands on 31 December 1993. It circled in the Coral Sea for three weeks before intensifying and causing extensive damage and flash flooding in south-east Queensland on 20 January 1994. In Brisbane 100 homes and 20 cars were damaged by water, and a total of four deaths were recorded.12/31/1993 0:001/25/1994 0:00-9.860628128162.49877934100Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=105 106Disaster EventOn 1 February 1976, a Piper PA28-180 and a Cessna 172M aircraft collided in flight at a height of approximately 250 ft while both aircraft were on final approach for landing at Parafield Airport Adelaide. The aircraft remained locked together after the collision and dived almost vertically to the ground 835 m before the runway. The sole occupant of the Piper and four occupants of the Cessna were killed. 2/1/1976 0:002/1/1976 0:00-34.788396138.63407152South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=106 107Disaster EventTorrential rain began to fall in Central Victoria and Gippsland, with 140 mm falling in Melbourne within the 48 hours ending 1 December. In South Gippsland, east of Melbourne, over 350 mm fell. Roads were submerged, houses inundated and bridges, train and tram railway lines were washed out. As a result of the storm the Yarra and other Rivers burst their banks, flooding and in some cases isolating towns. The Yarra Valley, Latrobe River District and South Gippsland areas were all flooded. There was a huge loss of livestock, property and crops. Every suburb of Melbourne suffered damage and winds in the Central Business District reached up to 110 km per hour. As many as 400 houses and buildings were damaged. There were 36 fatalities in the storms and subsequent floods, 18 of which were drowning, and 6000 people were made homeless. 11/30/1934 0:0012/2/1934 0:00-37.81361008144.963058536400Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=107 108Disaster EventAt approximately 8.45 pm on 1 June 1952, an electric train collided into a bus carrying more than 30 passengers at a level crossing in Boronia. Nine people were killed.6/1/1952 0:006/1/1952 0:00-37.86028671145.28440869Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=108 109Disaster EventThe Peter Silvester was a steel single screw American Liberty Ship en route from San Francisco to Columbo via Melbourne, when it was torpedoed by German submarine U-862 on 6 February 1945. It was torpedoed at approximately 2.40 pm by two torpedoes, one of which detonated in the hold, rupturing the deck and causing the flooding of the hold and the engine room. At approximately 5.10 pm it was hit again and those on board abandoned ship. The vessel was then hit by a coup de grace at the number one hold, causing it to break in two. The forward section sank immediately, approximately 700 nautical miles south-west of Fremantle. t the time there was a complement of 42 crew, 26 Naval Armed Guard, and 106 American servicemen passengers on board. There were also 2700 tons of US Army supplies and 317 army mules intended for pack animals in Burma. Thirty-two people were killed, including a crewman, armed guards and troops. However, more than 140 survivors were rescued by vessels including Cape Edmont, USS Corpus Chrisit, HMS Activity and USS Rock. The Peter Silvester was the last allied ship to be sunk in the Indian Ocean as a result of enemy action.2/6/1945 0:002/6/1945 0:00-35.02999496101.3818359321Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=109 110Disaster EventOn 25 January 1972, a charter flight with a pilot and three passengers was en route to Adelaide. The take-off was made to the south in clear conditions. After take-off the pilot made a shallow turn to the left, low to the ground. Three hundred feet further on, the aircraft struck a radio masts guy wires. The aircraft rolled to the left and pitched into a steep dive, striking the ground 400 ft beyond the point of impact with the wire. All on board died. 1/25/1972 0:001/25/1972 0:00-30.59736138.42198441South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=110 111Disaster EventOn 18 June 1909, the vessel Errol was en route from Peru to Newcastle when treacherous currents forced it to crash onto Middleton Reef. The reef is situated approximately 750 km north-east of Newcastle. Only five of the 22 passengers and crew survived.6/18/1909 0:007/12/1909 0:00-32.56533432152.4462891171New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=111 112Disaster EventOn 25 January 1885, seven people were killed and more than 20 injured when the Melbourne to Sydney overnight express train heavily booked due to a race meet in Sydney the next day derailed. Over 25 cm of rain had fallen in south-west New South Wales and washed away the culvert and railway track over Salt Clay Creek. When the track inspector realised the collapse of the track had occurred, attempts were made to contact the express train through Bethungra Station, however communication lines were down. Due to the speed the train was going the locomotive almost made it across the gap. It crashed into the opposite bank of the creek. The carriages behind jack-knifed while the passengers were asleep. Help was raised from Cootamundra with a doctor and a chemist quickly arriving at the scene. Injured passengers were later transported to Goulburn Hospital when Cootamundra could no longer cope. The Railways Department was criticised in a later enquiry for building such a small culvert, insufficient to carry the volumes of water that occurred in the flash flood.25/01/1885 00:00:0025/01/1885 00:00:00-34.6529808148.0146027207New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=112 113Disaster EventThe lightship Rose broke free from its moorings off Moreton Island. A crew of 16 died.01/05/1857 00:00:0001/05/1857 00:00:00-27.16303062153.356781161Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=113 114Disaster EventIn January 1974 Queensland, and to some extent other states, incurred significant flooding, with large areas of the country inundated. In Brisbane a very wet 1973 occurred and the rains had already resulted in some flooding when, on 24 January, cyclone Wanda hit the north of the city. Wanda came with relatively little wind, but produced record rains over the Australia Day holiday. Over the long weekend, Brisbane received 580 mm of rain, with much higher falls over river catchments near the city (1,300 mm in five days at Mt Glorious). Approximately 40 houses situated on the banks of the rivers and creeks were washed away as rivers flooded to their highest levels since the 1893 floods. Fourteen lives were lost in the floods and many people had to be rescued from rising waters. Record floods were also reported in New South Wales with much of the state affected. In May 1974, record flood levels occurred in the Ovens and Maribyrnong rivers in Victoria. Many settlements in South Australia were also badly affected; Oodnadatta, Marree, Moomba, Iron Knob, Andamooka and Coober Pedy were cut off by flood waters. In Tasmania, floods in the St Marys area in March - April caused extensive damage. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1974 damage at $68 million, with the 2011 estimated normailsed cost of $2645 million.1/25/1974 0:004/1/1974 0:00-27.47084808153.02342221468000000Tasmania;Queensland;New South Wales;South Australia;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=114 116Disaster EventOn 15 February 2001, at approximately 11.00 pm, a fire occurred at a hazardous waste and solvent recycling facility in Bellevue, Western Australia. The facility was estimated to have been storing up to 500,000 litres of chemicals and toxic solvents, largely those used in the motor vehicle and dry-cleaning industries. The combustion of stored toxic waste together with flammable material contributed to the creation of a dense toxic smoke plume. The fire was one of the biggest hazardous materials fire in Australian history. More than 2,000,000 litres of water were applied to extinguish the fire and over 350 FESA personnel, including volunteers, responded to the emergency. It took more than two days to extinguish the fire and 50 people were evacuated. The fire destroyed the majority of chemicals stored on the site and also burnt bushland down to the Helena River. Initial clean-up costs were approximately $5.6 million.Toxic fumes were discharged into the atmosphere and residue from the fire landed in surrounding areas and covered buildings and vehicles in the vicinity that subsequently had to be decontaminated. Public health concerns were raised about a range of experiences of exposure to contaminants emanating from the fire. Hundreds of thousands of litres of contaminated water had to be pumped from drains after the fire and all drains had to be thoroughly decontaminated. A specialised drum shredding and waste collection machine was designed and constructed. Six months after the fire, the drums were processed and the waste encased in concrete, painted in impervious paint and disposed of in a class four land fill. The fire also held economic impacts as the company received the majority of Perth's hazardous liquid wastes and the only other facility was shut down by the government in 2003. Consequently, waste had to be transported at least 800 km for disposal. Bellevue property values were affected and increased regulation of hazardous waste and chemical industries was introduced. A Health Register was established under the guidance of a Steering Committee following a recommendation from the Bellevue Hazardous Waste Fire Parliamentary Inquiry. The First Report found that of the 218 people that elected to be part of the Bellevue Health Surveillance Register, 60 per cent reported at least one symptom that they thought was related to the fire but most symptoms did not last long. Typical symptoms included sore eyes, coughs, colds, chest complaints, dizziness, vomiting, nausea and headache. Due to the hazardous nature of the site, a proper scene examination and the origin and cause of the fire could not be established. Furthermore, the fire destroyed most evidence and the immediate clean-up removed any other evidence there may have been. Thus the cause of the fire has never been determined.2/15/2001 0:002/17/2001 0:00-31.89971161116.02605441001301Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=116 117Disaster EventOn 26 to 28 December 1999, high rainfall in the northern suburbs of Melbourne caused localised flooding. In Carisbrook, central Victoria, over the same period the local catchment area received the most significant rainfall totals in more than 100 years. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1999 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $23 million.12/26/1999 0:0012/28/1999 0:00-37.73792267144.965087910010000000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=117 118Disaster EventOn the 31 August 1996, an East Coast Low created a storm that was considered one of the most serious in the decade. Widespread damage from heavy rain and strong wind occurred, reaching storm force (averaging above 89 km per hour and peaking at 119 km per hour at Bellambi Point. Wind gusts in excess of 93 km per hour were recorded at Norah Head, Fort Denison, Sydney Airport and Wollongong. The main Illawarra/South Coast rail line was cut, and rainfall totalled 386 mm at Darkes Forest, while Wollongong and Robertson both recorded 122 mm in 24 hours. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1996 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $30 million.8/31/1996 0:008/31/1996 0:00-34.23423004150.919189510000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=118 119Disaster EventOn 15 February 1937, a powerful methane gas explosion occurred at the No 20 shaft, Dalyson Colliery, Wonthaggi. The explosion was caused by the contact of a naked light and methane gas, and was propagated by coal dust. It was so powerful it catapulted a two ton iron cage 60 ft from the mouth of the shaft to the top of the poppet head. Thirteen miners were killed in the explosion. The explosion resulted in a successful national campaign to improve conditions for Australian miners.2/15/1937 0:002/15/1937 0:00-38.60572815145.588531513Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=119 120Disaster EventOn 1 February 2001, one person died and 35 students were injured when a car crashed into a school bus taking students home from school. The driver of the car lost control of his vehicle as it rounded a bend on the Princes Highway. It collided with the south-bound bus and was torn apart. The driver sustained only minor injuries, with police saying the airbag fitted to his car may have saved his life. A third vehicle was damaged trying to avoid the accident, and its driver also sustained minor injuries.2/1/2001 0:002/1/2001 0:00-35.08058548150.52600135112New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=120 121Disaster EventOn 13 March 1974, a mid air collision occurred in Sydney air space. The first aircraft, the Dove, had taken off from Bankstown and was orbiting at about 1500 feet before proceeding to Sydney's Kingsford-Smith Airport. Approximately two minutes later the Twin Comanche aircraft also took off from Bankstown Airport, its destination being a training area near Camden. The collision occurred in the Bankstown Control Zone. Following the impact, both aircraft fell to the ground in a residential area of the suburb of Bass Hill, causing damage to houses and other property. The sole occupant of the Dove aircraft and the three occupants of the Twin Comanche aircraft were killed. Both aircraft were destroyed by the collision and ground impact.3/13/1974 0:003/13/1974 0:00-33.89827728150.99481242New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=121 122Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Joy brought about widespread rainfall between Cairns and Townsville. A total of 10 rivers were affected including the Tully, Johnstone, Pioneer, Don, Haughton, Connors, Isaac, Mackenzie, Fitzroy and Burdekin rivers. Towns affected included Rockhampton, Gulf Country, Normanton, Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Muttaburra, Longreach, Mt Isa and Cairns. By 30 December Blue Mountain had recorded 831 mm of rain. A total of six lives were lost as a result of the severe weather. Exceptional rain fell over the period 23 Dec to 7 Jan and some stations in the Pioneer catchment received 2 m of rain. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1990 damage at $32 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $121 million.12/23/1990 0:001/7/1991 0:00-18.16151047139.9163818632000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=122 123Disaster EventLightning strikes ignited a fire at the Warenda Station near Hughenden. As a result of the bushfire, three people died.9/29/1917 0:009/29/1917 0:00-20.82608414144.20173653Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=123 124Disaster EventA gas and dust explosion at the Burwood Colliery at Whitebridge killed three people.11/13/1901 0:0011/13/1901 0:00-32.97655487151.70857243New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=124 125Disaster EventThroughout January 1906 fires raged across Victoria. Temperatures were extraordinarily high with Mildura reaching 51 ºC. Fires continued to burn in Central Victoria until mid February. Several court prosecutions were made against people accused of deliberately lighting the fires with some convictions made. Approximately 56 homesteads were completely burnt out.1/1/1906 0:002/15/1906 0:00-38.60105896146.300521912Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=125 126Disaster EventOn 12 July 1866, the PSS Cawarra was en route from Sydney to Newcastle when rough conditions caused the ship to sink. Sixty-two lives were lost and one person survived.12/07/1866 00:00:0012/07/1866 00:00:00-33.2800293151.6387939621New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=126 127Disaster EventQueensland's far north endured saturating rains, cutting major transport lines and flooding isolated towns, leaving motorists and tourists stranded north of Ingham. Cairns opened a disaster co-ordination centre after a record 208 mm deluge which turned suburban streets into creeks and shopping centre car parks into miniature lakes. More than 3000 sandbags were distributed to Cairns residents who fought to keep rising flood waters from their front doors and 10,000 residents experienced blackouts. Apart from floods along the Barwon, Tully and Herbert Rivers, others to flood included Burdekin, Bulloo, Flinders, Thompson, Paroo, Diamantina, Georgina, Barcoo rivers and Cooper Creek. Almost a third of Queensland was declared a natural disaster area by the State Government in the wake of the extensive flooding throughout northern, central and western Queensland. In relative terms one out of three individuals were directly affected by the floods. Wide spread floods caused damage to plantations, crops and infrastructure, which resulted in several large damage estimates. This included $70 million to cane and banana industries compiled with $50 million to existing infrastructure. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2000 damage at $12 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $30 million.2/5/2000 0:002/28/2000 0:00-16.92339897145.77384951012000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=127 128Disaster EventOn 24 December 1971, Tropical Cyclone Althea swept across Townsville resulting in three deaths. On Magnetic Island 90 per cent of the houses were damaged or destroyed. Two tornadoes damaged trees and houses at Bowen. There was major flooding in Burdekin, resulting in a storm surge measuring 2.9 m in the Townsville Harbour ,and a 3.66 m storm surge north at Toolakea. Although the Toolakea storm surge occurred at low tide, the surge and large waves caused extensive damage along the Strand and at Cape Pallarenda. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1971 damage at $25 million, with the 2012 estimated normalised cost of $648 million.12/24/1971 0:0012/27/1971 0:00-19.25200272146.8206024253250000001000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=128 129Disaster EventFrom October 1951 to January 1952, there were 11 reported deaths when approximately 5000 fires burned 4.5 million hectares of western New South Wales. Fires were estimated to have cost £6 million at the time. November saw 371,000 hectares of cypress pine forest and bush burned in the Pilliga area, and 266,000 hectares of grass-land burnt in the Dubbo / Forbes district. In January 1952, 330,000 hectares were burned out at Mangoplah near Wagga Wagga. Two people died and 10,000 hectares were burnt in the Australian Capital Territory with fires bearing down on the urban areas of Canberra.10/26/1951 0:001/31/1952 0:00-35.11680222147.36163331310000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=129 130Disaster EventOn 12 March 1934, a tropical cyclone crossed the north Queensland coast near Cape Tribulation. A storm surge associated with the cyclone at nearby Bailey Creek destroyed crop plantations. Widespread damage and destruction of property occurred at Mossman, Daintree and Cape Tribulation. There were 75 deaths recorded.3/12/1934 0:003/13/1934 0:00-16.07979584145.464477575Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=130 131Disaster EventPrior to the events on Ash Wednesday a ten month drought had dried the eastern Australian forests out. On 16 February itself, there was low humidity, heat wave conditions and strong to gale force winds. Temperatures varied between high thirties and mid forties over most of eastern South Australia and Victoria with relative humidity generally less than 15 per cent. The Victorian bushfire season had started in November 1982. There were 854 bushfires reported at this time including, Ballan, Mount Macedon on 1 February, Cann River and Mount Donna Buang. On early Ash Wednesday morning there were 104 fires already burning in Victoria most controlled or contained, it was only after 2.00 pm that the situation exploded. The Victorian fires formed several complexes. 1. Western district near Warrnambool. This fire started from a defective private power line. The resulting fire front was kilometres wide and moving at frightening speed. A cool change came through at 5.00 pm and the wind changed to the south-west. The fire headed toward the town of Terang. The fire passed the town to its north and was brought under control the next day. In total nine people died, 50,000 hectares burnt, 157 houses destroyed and 19,300 livestock was lost. Another person died near Branxholme from a smaller fire caused by power line fault. 2. East Trentham - Macedon fire complex. This fire began around 2.00 pm near East Trentham due to two powerlines touching and sparking. The fire moved to the Wombat State Forest and burnt much of Bullengarook. The fire stalled for a while but upon wind change to the south-west the fire picked up again and headed toward Woodend with a 7 m fire front at 8.30 pm. It reached Macedon where people and animals sheltered in the Hotel protected by volunteers. The rest of the town was annihilated. After reaching the top of Mount Macedon it was controlled in an area that was previously burnt on 1 February. Seven people died, 20,000 hectares burnt, 200 homes destroyed in Macedon, 150 on Mount Macedon, 50 in Bullengarook and 20 in Woodend. 3. Otways complex. The fire broke out approximately 3.00 pm at Deans Marsh and moved toward Lorne eventually onto the ridges above the town on and down to the sand dunes with many people taking refuge in the sea. The fire moved to Aireys Inlet where the fibro houses were hit by walls of flame and a gigantic firestorm. The fire moved at extraordinary speed and next hit was Anglesea, where houses were lost but the main part of town was saved. The fire burnt on through the night toward Jan Juc and Torquay and was eventually contained early morning near Bellbrae. Three people were killed and 578 houses and other buildings were lost. 4. Upper Beaconsfield - Cockatoo complex. This fire began in Belgrave Heights south of Mount Dandenong. Half an hour later 10 km away, a fire started in Cockatoo and remained static until later that night. The first fire moved 15 km toward Berwick and Pakenham and firefighters were just beginning to gain control when the wind change came through at 8.30 pm redirecting the fire towards Upper Beaconsfield. Firefighters were caught in terrible circumstances leading to deaths. The Cockatoo fire began to flare at 7.30 pm. The fire went right through the town of Cockatoo as fire trucks had been called away to other fires. There were reports of women and children being sheltered and saved at a local kindergarten. The kindergarden building was later recorded by Heritage Victoria as a building of significance to be protected. In total, 27 people died, 100 were injured and 535 houses and buildings destroyed. 5. Warburton complex. This fire erupted in the foothills of mountain ash forests. The fire began in Millgrove at 7.30 pm and quickly progressed to Warburton. Approximately 200 people took shelter at the local oval and a creek in underground tunnel. Thirty houses were destroyed. In Victoria in summary, 47 people died, 150,000 hectares burnt, 1620 houses burnt and more than 1500 other buildings were destroyed and 32,400 livestock lost. South Australia Major fires were burning by noon on Ash Wednesday, particularly in the Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley 120 km north of Adelaide, and around Mount Gambier, the south-east of the state. By 3.00 pm the situation was extreme. The cold front then hit with winds at 90 to 100 km per hour and the intensity of the fires worsened again. By 9.00 pm rain began to fall and the fires in the Adelaide hills came under control. The fires near Mount Gambier took longer. In total 28 people died, including three CFS volunteer fire fighters, more than 1500 people injured, 383 homes and 200 other buildings destroyed and 160,000 hectares burnt. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1983 damage for Victoria at $138 million and South Australia at $38 million with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $1489 million for Victoria and $307 million for South Australia.  2/16/1983 0:002/18/1983 0:00-37.40233612144.58711249000150075176000000200030000Victoria;South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=131 132Disaster EventA tropical cyclone that crossed the coast near Townsville brought heavy rain and caused widespread flooding to multiple areas along Queensland's central coast. Towns affected included Townsville, St Lawrence, Bowen, Mt McConnell, Mirani, Home Hill and Ayr. Infrastructure including roads, bridges and communication equipment, was badly damaged from the torrential rain and subsequent floods. Bowen recorded 356 mm in 18 hours. Three individuals lost their lives from the disaster and the damage bill was estimated around £1,000,000.4/7/1940 0:004/9/1940 0:00-20.61478996146.96411133Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=132 133Disaster Event During the month of April 1989, heavy rains inundated southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. The Mary River peaked at 2100 hours on April 26, recording a height of 19 m, short of the 25 m record established in 1893. Three deaths were recorded. 4/25/1989 0:004/30/1989 0:00-26.1891152.665933Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=133 134Disaster EventDuring late July the Bolwarra region experienced heavy rainfall causing severe flooding and the subsequent deaths of 26 people.28/07/1857 00:00:0029/07/1857 00:00:00-32.707578151.57510826New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=134 135Disaster EventIn October 1961, three people died and several were injured when a 30 m crane collapsed at a building under construction on the corner of Elizabeth and Collins Street.10/1/1961 0:0010/1/1961 0:00-37.81599045144.96412663Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=135 136Disaster EventOn 3 December 2001, severe thunderstorms hit a wide area of New South Wales with the most impact occurring in Sydney. A storm event moving at 80-100 km per hour produced a wind gust of 174 km per hour at the north western suburb of Richmond, which set a record as the highest wind gust ever recorded in mainland New South Wales. Other significant squalls were recorded,109 km per hour at Kurnell, 102 km per hour at Hornsby and at Gunnedah (north-west slopes) wind gusts of 137 km per hour caused damage to trees and buildings. Hail estimated to be 3 cm in diameter was reported at Pymble and 2 cm in diameter was also reported at Swansea in the Hunter Valley. Two people died when a branch of a tree fell on their tent at Crosslands Reserve, Hornsby Heights, North Sydney. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $30 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $57 million.12/3/2001 0:0012/3/2001 0:00-33.59631729150.7569733230000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=136 137Disaster EventOn 6 October 1864 the Circassian, a wooden two mast schooner en route from Warrnambool to Sydney with a cargo on board, was wrecked in a gale ten miles west of Ram Head on the Gippsland coast. The crew clung to the wreck for many hours and four people drowned. Four survivors made it to shore.06/10/1864 00:00:0006/10/1864 00:00:00-37.77695847149.4868469441Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=137 138Disaster EventThe Kakariki was a steel single screw steamship. The SS Caradale collided with it on Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip, 29 January 1937. The Kakiri sank in shallow water almost immediately and five crew were drowned. The Court of Marine Enquiry lay the blame for the collision on Kakariki1/29/1937 0:001/29/1937 0:00-37.85510254144.926101751Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=138 139Disaster EventOn Sunday 9 August 1987, a gunman fired a total of 114 rounds in the space of 45 minutes, killing seven people and wounding a further 19, including two police officers. The area extended for over 2 km and ventured across three inner-city Melbourne suburbs; Clifton Hill, Northcote and Fitzroy North. The shootings started at approximately 9.30 pm, as the gunman positioned himself on a nature strip on the east side of the road and fired on passing cars. The first police arrived on the scene at approximately 9.37 pm. The gunman withdrew from Hoddle Street at approximately 9.45 pm and was cornered by police. The man surrendered at approximately 10.14 pm.8/9/1987 0:008/9/1987 0:00-37.78858948144.9954071197Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=139 140Disaster EventOn 8 January 1969 a total fire ban day was declared with 230 fires breaking out burning more than 324,000 hectares. Twenty-one of these fires were highly destructive. The worst fires were on the urban fringe of Melbourne and several were serious grass fires. There had been a fire on the previous day at Anakie near the Geelong - Ballan Road. The fire was quickly extinguished though it broke out again early Wednesday. The terrain being flat grassland went up and the fire moved quickly in the direction of Lara where it destroyed a 90 year old gothic church and 40 houses. Seventeen people abandoned their cars and tried to outrun the fire when it crossed the highway, all died. This event was a catalyst in changing guidelines recommending people are safer staying in a car when fire is upon them. The fire burnt to the edge of suburban Melbourne including Altona, Diamond Valley and Kangaroo Ground. In total 23 people died, 100 were injured, and 230 homes and 21 buildings were destroyed.1/8/1969 0:001/9/1969 0:00-38.0235939144.40786748001002323021Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=140 141Disaster Event<span >The Blythe Star II was a steel twin screw motor vessel. It left Prince of Wales Bay, Hobart for King Island on 12 October 1973 with a crew of 10 and a cargo of superphosphate and beer but failed to arrive at Currie. An extensive air search could not locate it, but seven survivors were found at Deep Glen Bay on the Tasman Peninsula, 11 days after the vessel had apparently capsized and sank six miles from South-West Cape. The life raft had been launched successfully, however three people died.10/12/1973 0:0010/12/1973 0:00-43.04982376148.072357231Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=141 142Disaster EventOn 26 February 1854 severe flooding was recorded in Hobart and several lives were apparently lost. On 11 March of the same year substantial rainfall fell throughout Tasmania. The Jordan River was at its highest level since 1828 by 3 ft. On the Clyde River, the Hamilton bridge was washed away.26/02/1854 00:00:0022/03/1854 00:00:00-42.881279147.323914Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=142 143Disaster EventThe Bunyip was a Murray River paddle steamer. Together with two barges, it was completely destroyed by fire while steaming down the Murray River 11 km above the Chowilla Station Murray River, on 8 December 1863. Four people died and most others onboard sustained burns.08/12/1863 00:00:0008/12/1863 00:00:00-34.01965714140.832366941South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=143 144Disaster EventOn 2 December at 8:22 am, a State Rail Authority inter urban train collided with the rear of the Indian Pacific tourist train. The accident occurred on the main western line east of Glenbrook railway station, in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. Dozens of passengers on both trains sustained injuries. Fifty one passengers required hospitalisation. Exensive damage occurred to both trains, including disruption to the rail network. The Government established a Special Commission of Inquiry on 9 December 1999, and appointed The Honourable Mr Acting Justice Peter McInerney as Commissioner. The interim report uncovered 23 causes and factors contributing to the crash, including signal failures and poor communication between drivers and signallers. The final report was delivered in April 2001, out of the 95 recommendations to improve rail safety in NSW, 93 were accepted by the State Government.12/2/1999 0:0012/2/1999 0:00-33.76890945150.6204834517New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=144 145Disaster EventOn 21 October 1966, the roof (estimated at a weight of 200 ton) at the Wyee mine collapsed. Five miners died in the incident.10/21/1966 0:0010/21/1966 0:00-33.17276001151.48481755New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=145 146Disaster EventOn 15 May 1984, the pilot of the Cessna 340-A received warnings of fog over the intended destination of Goulburn. In order to prepare for the possibility of landing at another site, additional fuel was loaded. The pilot advised that the plane would land in Goulburn as scheduled, however it was noticed the aircraft was off course from the normal flight path and flying low over the city of Goulburn itself. The plane was seen to roll and descend steeply before hitting two houses. A fire broke out instantly. Three persons on board the plane and one person in one of the houses died.5/15/1984 0:005/15/1984 0:00-34.80872726149.7335205421New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=146 147Disaster EventA Cessna 337C aircraft and pilot were hired by federal and state officers completing an aerial inspection 45 km east of Albany on 13 March 1996. The flight departed Albany airport at 0901 hours and it is believed the accident occurred between 0920 and 0925 hours. The pilot was conducting a low-level inspection of the area in question to aid the inspection. The pilot was flying the aircraft in a steep, right turn at a slow speed. During the turn both engines lost power. As no fuel blockages were found, the most probable reason for the loss of power is a prolonged, unbalanced, right turn stopped the fuel feed to the right fuel sump from the right main tank. In less than three minutes, all useable fuel in the sump had been consumed and the engine stopped. The loss of power led to a loss of control and the pilot was unable to recover the situation prior to impact. All four people on the plane died in the accident.3/13/1996 0:003/13/1996 0:00-35.02310944117.884674141Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=147 148Disaster EventThe Banshee was damaged on rocks during a storm at Cape Sandwich between Townsville and Cardwell. Of the 37 passengers, 30 passengers reached safety.21/03/1876 00:00:0021/03/1876 00:00:00-18.23978615146.451187171Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=148 149Disaster EventThe H.M.S. Sappho was a brig sloop made from wood. It had a crew of 50, was armed with 16 cannons and was on the final stages of a voyage originating from London. The second stage of the voyage was from South Africa to Sydney. It disappeared in February 1858 (exact date unknown). It was seen with two masts projecting from the sea near Wilsons Promontory and some gratings which could have belonged to the vessel were found washed up on Flinders Island a year later.01/02/1858 00:00:0001/02/1858 00:00:00-39.15828323146.3859558501Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=149 150Disaster EventOn 7 August 1999, four men in their early twenties were caught in a strong blizzard whilst hiking within Kosciuszko National Park. The men were hiking from Thredbo to Lake Albina for a snowboarding and camping adventure when a severe blizzard developed, forcing them to dig and shelter in a snow cave. It is believed the snow cave was quickly buried in the blizzard, causing the men to be asphyxiated. The bodies were found 101 days later on 16 November 1999, 2.5 km from where the group had started their trek, at a point not far from Mt Kosciuszko.8/7/1999 0:008/11/1999 0:00-36.33946609148.57360844New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=150 151Disaster EventDuring the period 15 October until 3 December, a bushfire damaged the Blue Mountain region. Winds recorded up to 100 km per hour, intensified the fire front. Due to an unusually dry spring, conditions allowed the fire to burn for approximately four weeks. Widespread damage was caused to infrastructure, houses and buildings. A total of 1,500,000 ha were burnt and 14 people died. Other areas affected included; Valley Heights, Warrimoo, Blaxland and Emu Plains. The damage bill was estimated at approximately £1,500,000.10/15/1968 0:0012/3/1968 0:00-33.59318924150.535644514New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=151 152Disaster EventDuring the period October 1996 to January 2000 parts of southern and eastern Victoria, the southern Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, the central highlands of Queensland and central and north-eastern parts of Tasmania experienced serious to severe rainfall deficiencies. In some of these regions the rainfall was the lowest on record. Rainfall deficiencies east of Melbourne for the ten months between April 1999 and January 2000 were severe. Deficiencies around Cape Otway and around Portland in western Victoria were also serious, with January totals being approximately 60 per cent of the average. Below average to average rainfall totals made little change to the deficiencies near Emerald in central Queensland, in the south-east of Tasmania around Hobart and in the north-west, south of Burnie. Average to above average rainfall in January removed the existing rainfall deficiencies near Ceduna in South Australia.10/1/1996 0:009/30/2000 0:00-38.33088303141.6000366Tasmania;Victoria;South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=152 153Disaster EventOn 8 September 1870 the Bertha, a wooden two mast schooner en route to Melbourne from Mersey Tasmania, struck rocks and capsized off Cape Liptrap. Seven people were trapped below deck and drowned. One person survived and managed to reach the beach 8 km away.08/09/1870 00:00:0008/09/1870 00:00:00-38.86644363145.7803345171Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=153 154Disaster EventOn 7 February 1967 over 100 fires were burning across southern Tasmania, which was to be known as 'Black Tuesday'. Combination of abundant forest litter created by the prolific growth in the Spring of 1966, strong northerly winds of up to 110 km per hour and extremely hot air created ideal conditions for bushfires. The bushfires swept across the south-east coast of Tasmania and burnt through 264,270 hectares in the state's south in the space of five hours coming within 2 km of central Hobart. Sixty two people lost their lives, and 1400 homes or buildings were destroyed. The fires killed thousands of chickens and sheep among other livestock. A Royal Commission after the fires found there were 110 fires burning within a 56 km radius of Hobart. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1967 damage at $14 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $610 million.2/7/1967 0:002/7/1967 0:00-43.16512299146.24176036214000000140020000Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=154 156Disaster EventIn the early morning hours of 22 December 1989, two full tourist coaches collided head on at Clybucca Flat, 12 km north of Kempsey. The collision released the seats from their anchors, pushing seats and passengers forward. The force of impact left the Sydney (south) bound coach in the cabin of the Brisbane bound (north) coach. A major emergency response occurred with fleets of ambulance, helicopters, Sate Emergency Services, Fire brigade and Police attending the incident. A New South Wales Coroners report found that the Sydney bound coach driver fell asleep at the wheel which resulted in the collision. The Coroner found the Sydney bound coach missed a bend on the highway and there was no indication that the driver had applied brakes or dimmed the headlights before the collision. Neither coach was speeding at the time of the crash, and no mechanical faults were found in either vehicle, the coroner said. The coroner renewed calls for the creation of a dual-carriageway highway between Newcastle and the Queensland border, following an earlier 21 deaths in a coach/semi-trailer accident at Cowper, north of Grafton in October 1989 (see related event). The Coroner also recommended a review of coach seats, seat anchorages, seatbelts and better emergency exits for coaches, as rescuers were unable to enter the wreckage immediately because the exits were more than two metres above the ground. As a result of the accident, 35 people died and 41 people were injured.12/22/1989 0:0012/22/1989 0:00-30.94066048152.944442741352New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=156 157Disaster EventDuring mid February 1860 severe storms caused heavy rainfall. Nowra which was built in a low-lying area located near the Shoalhaven River flooded resulting in 16 people losing their lives. 01/01/1860 00:00:0001/01/1860 00:00:00-34.867905150.59698116New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=157 158Disaster EventThis drought is often referred to as the '1914 Drought'. Across large areas of the southern states the period May through to October 1914 remains the driest period on record. Although often spared when the eastern states are in severe drought, the south-west corner of Western Australia received less than half the normal rainfall during the critical May - October months, all but destroying the wheat crop for the season in some districts. It was the lowest Western Australian wheat yield of the century. In terms of livestock seven million sheep were lost respectively in New South Wales and Queensland, approximately three million sheep in Victoria and cattle losses totalled just over one million in various states. The Murray river ceased flowing at Swan Hill and Tasmania experienced severe water shortages. In the April of 1915 the drought began to break in South Australia, Tasmania, and most of Victoria, and May in New South Wales. The drought lasted until July in southern Queensland, and to the end of the year in northern and central Queensland.1/1/1913 0:0012/31/1915 0:00-35.33641434143.5621185Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=158 159Disaster EventOn 9 September 1876 the Elmgrove, a wooden three mast barque, was en route from Newcastle to Adelaide with a crew of nine. It ran into a gale off Cape Howe and was buffeted for three days before it struck a reef off Wilsons Promontory. Seven died from the impact. The captain and one other crew member made shore and were rescued three days later.09/09/1876 00:00:0009/09/1876 00:00:00-38.94766235146.1682892271Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=159 160Disaster EventOn 5 February 1910 a 32 wagon wheat train from Stawell was headed toward Beaufort station down a steep decline when the engine crew realised they had no brakes. The signalman at Beaufort station realised what had happened and diverted the runaway train to a dead end siding to avert collision. The train hit the dead end with such speed that the lead engine continued for a further 10 metres. The second engine crashed into it and derailed the train. Three people died and one person was injured. The coroner recommended better locomotive repair work and drivers to be discriminating before accepting engines back into work following repairs. This event greatly improved work practices at the Victorian Railways.2/5/1910 0:002/5/1910 0:00-37.42661667143.3877106132Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=160 161Disaster EventOn 13 October 1857 the Nonpareil, a wooden two mast schooner, was en route to Melbourne from Adelaide with a cargo of flour when it was wrecked off Point Lonsdale reef, Port Phillip Heads. Twenty people were rescued. Four people who left the ship in a boat to get help were not seen again.13/10/1857 00:00:0013/10/1857 00:00:00-38.3000412144.606521641Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=161 162Disaster EventIn the late sixties the Southern Aurora was a premier express train travelling between Sydney and Melbourne. On the morning of 7 February 1969, it was Melbourne bound travelling at 120 km per hour with 190 passengers on board. The Express crashed head on with an Albury bound goods train. The collision crushed the first two carriages of the Express, which held sleeping accommodation, and the third and fourth carriage were tossed from the track and landed on top of the locomotive. As the passengers from the Express were trying to leave the train an explosion occurred igniting fires in seven of the trains' carriages. Nine people died and 40 people were injured. Many passengers were located in the largely undamaged dining car for breakfast at the time of the collision and had only recently vacated the badly damaged sleeping cars, otherwise there would have been a much greater number of deaths and injuries. The Coroner found the driver of the Express died from a heart attack (he had a pre existing heart condition) just prior to the collision.2/7/1969 0:002/7/1969 0:00-36.64189529145.70706184098Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=162 163Disaster EventThe Dunbar left Plymouth on 31 May 1857 headed for Sydney. On arriving into Sydney Harbour 81 days later, it struck rocks south of Port Jackson, culminating in one of Australia's worst maritime disasters. On the night of 20 August 1857, 63 passengers and 58 crew lost their lives when the Dunbar failed to negotiate the entrance to Port Jackson and crashed into cliffs. Shortly before midnight the ship was believed to be approximately six miles from the entrance and extra crew were on lookout duty. Breakers were seen ahead so the Dunbar veered windward to avoid the swell but she was too close to land to have any chance of avoiding the cliff. She struck the rocks and was thrown almost broadside on to the cliffs between the Macquarie lighthouse and the Gap. The topmasts fell overboard and a huge sea swept over her starboard, destroying boats, bulwarks and masts. Passengers were drowned in their bunks, while the crew were swept into the sea. There was only one survivor who was washed on to the rocks. At the inquest the jury decided that while there may have been an error in judgement and the ship too close in shore at night in such bad weather conditions, no blame was attached to either the Captain or his officers.20/08/1857 00:00:0020/08/1857 00:00:00-33.85188675151.25427251211New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=163 164Disaster EventIn August 1826 the wooden cutter Sally disappeared between the Hawkesbury River and Sydney. Three lives were lost. 01/08/1826 00:00:0001/08/1826 00:00:00-33.51391983151.224060131New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=164 165Disaster EventOn 24 June 1933 the Christina Fraser, a steel single screw steamship, was en route from Newcastle to Geelong when it disappeared after having been sighted struggling in a gale 10 km off Gabo Island. It is presumed the Christina Fraser foundered. All 18 people on board were lost. A sea and air search failed to locate anything. Some debris washed ashore near Lakes Entrance.6/24/1933 0:006/24/1933 0:00-37.56570435149.9029999181Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=165 166Disaster EventA cyclone struck the Exmouth Gulf on 24 December 1875. A pearling fleet was in the vicinity and lost in the Exmouth Gulf, causing the deaths of 57 people. The schooners Lily of the Lake, Wild Wave and Blossom were lost, while others were either wrecked or severely damaged.  24/12/1875 00:00:0024/12/1875 00:00:00-21.91247177114.2248535573Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=166 167Disaster EventOn 16 May 1943, a severe storm caused dangerous conditions for the US tanker Cities Service Boston. The tanker was en route to Iran when it struck the conditions in Bass Strait. Around 62 American sailors were trapped on the vessel. Thirty-three members of the 6 Machine Gun Battalion camped at Kembla Grange, were called on to lead the rescue mission. The American sailors were rescued, however, of the ten Australians conducting the mission four drowned.5/16/1943 0:005/16/1943 0:00-34.59761047150.901336741New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=167 168Disaster EventThe Sibigo encountered a cyclone and sank due to waves that broke over the top of the vessel. There were 85 crew members on board and only 13 were rescued. During the cyclone a ketch (sailing craft) was also destroyed.3/16/1945 0:003/16/1945 0:00-16.4992981146.1621094722Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=168 170Disaster EventOn 13 January 1854 the Spencer, a wooden two mast brig, was en route from Melbourne to New Zealand with 28 passengers and a general cargo. It was reported as wrecked east of Port Albert but was actually west of Wilsons Promontory. Five people drowned, however the remainder reached the beach where they camped for nine days before being taken to Melbourne.13/01/1854 00:00:0013/01/1854 00:00:00-39.12579727146.260986351Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=170 171Disaster EventOn 20 September 1975 at approximately 5 pm, an explosion occurred in the underground areas of the Kianga No 1 mine in central Queensland. Thirteen people attempting to contain the damage died. In accordance with section 74 of the Coal Mining Act (1925) an inquiry was held to investigate the incident, with emphasis on determining the reasons for the disaster. The inquiry commenced on 10 November 1975, and closed on 24 November. Evidence presented to the inquiry showed the mine worked on a board and pillar system. This area was not extracted to the required height, thus coal was susceptible to spontaneous combustion. The inquiry found that the explosion was initiated by a spontaneous combustion source which ignited inflammable gas and was propagated by the existence of coal dust.9/20/1975 0:009/20/1975 0:00-24.5621109149.969558713Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=171 172Disaster EventVicky was a steel single screw coastal. It was en route from Sydney to Melbourne with cargo of coal when it developed engine problems and sank approximately 70 miles south of Wilsons Promontory in Tasmanian waters on 25 June 1956. Eight sailors died. Two other boats rescued crew members.6/25/1956 0:006/25/1956 0:00-39.59299088146.436767681Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=172 173Disaster EventIn April 1998 a severe thunderstorm with strong wind gusts reported up to 80 km per hour, swept from New South Wales into Ipswich and other Brisbane suburbs. Strong winds up to 117 km per hour were recorded in Amberley. Three people died when they were electrocuted by a fallen power line. Other damage reported included yachts in the Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race.4/10/1998 0:004/10/1998 0:00-27.61335373152.75854493Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=173 174Disaster EventOn 21 May 1836 Stirling Castle, a two mast brig weighing 351 tons, hit the Swain Reefs off Northern Queensland. The surviving parties escaped the wreck by a longboat and pinnacle and sought refuge on an island in the Bunker Group. The parties split company, the first group sailed south, and the second group landed on the mainland near Sandy Cape and walked towards Moreton Bay. Of the 18 people on the ship, only eight survived.21/05/1836 00:00:0021/05/1836 00:00:00-24.96614075152.77038578101Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=174 175Disaster EventIn the same locality and only hours apart, two shipwrecks occurred off the coast of Fremantle on 12 July 1899. Carlisle Castle was an iron three mast barque. It was en route from Glasgow for Australia with a general cargo when it wrecked in a gale on Coventry Reef whilst approaching Fremantle. The first indication that the ship had been lost came when life buoys and two damaged boats carrying the vessels name washed ashore near Rockingham. No survivors were found and it was later confirmed that 22 died. City of York was an iron ship. Wrecked in a gale when it struck a reef on the north central side of Rottnest Island whilst approaching Fremantle on 12 July 1899. It was en route from San Francisco laden with oregon. The ship had sent up a flare to signal to the lighthouse it was in need of a pilot to navigate around the reef. Pilots were otherwise engaged so the light house sent up a flare intending it to be a signal warning the ship to stand off. The captain misunderstood the meaning of the flare and continued on hitting the reef. Two life boats were launched, the first reached safety with six onboard. The other had the captain and 16 men but were overcome by a large wave and 11 were lost and never seen again, five regained safety.12/07/1899 00:00:0012/07/1899 00:00:00-32.05973816115.7182236332Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=175 176Disaster EventThe Balclutha was an iron, single screw steamer rigged as a three masted schooner. It left Melbourne for Sydney with a cargo of bluestone on 18 October 1881 and was last seen three days later by the steamer Cahors in heavy seas off Gabo Island on the far eastern Victorian coast line. The vessel and all 22 seamen disappeared presumably on the southern New South Wales coast.  18/10/1881 00:00:0018/10/1881 00:00:00-37.58675766149.8890533221New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=176 177Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Joan developed over the Timor sea and was named on 1 December 1975. The system passed close to the northern tip of Western Australia before moving west to south-westerly over the ocean and gradually intensified. Late on the 6th, the cyclone suddenly took a southerly direction and the eye crossed the coast 50 km west of Port Hedland at about 6am on 8 December 1975. Despite Port Hedland not being in the centre of the storm it was subjected to strong winds exceeding 90 km per hour for approximately 10 hours with winds in excess of 120 km per hour for three hours. The maximum measured wind gust was 208 km per hour. Severe property damage occurred at Port Hedland and other townships nearby. Eighty-five per cent of all houses were damaged to some degree. Power and communications were lost for several days. Heavy rainfall inland caused flooding. Marandoo, near Tom Price registered 591 mm while many other sites recorded rainfall over 400 mm. The heavy rain occurred along and just east of the cyclone track. Some of the two and three-day totals registered over the Hamersley Range represent in excess of a once in 100 year event. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1975 damage at $20 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $398 million.12/8/1975 0:0012/9/1975 0:00-13.41099358125.8593752020000000Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=177 178Disaster EventThe Domain was a wooden single mast sloop. It left Melbourne headed for Western Port and Port Albert and capsized in a gale four nautical miles off Shoal Lagoon near Wilsons Promontory on 11 April 1846. Fifteen occupants were thrown into the sea. Only one survived.11/04/1846 00:00:0011/04/1846 00:00:00-39.010648146.163483114Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=178 179Disaster EventOn 28 December 1893 the Alert, an iron screw steamship en route from Gippsland to Melbourne, foundered in a tremendous gale with huge seas off Jubilee Point near Cape Schanck on the Gippsland coast. Fifteen lives were lost. There was one survivor.28/12/1893 00:00:0028/12/1893 00:00:00-39.09809494146.6921997115Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=179 180Disaster EventA severe storm caused extreme weather conditions in the Toowoomba region on 9 January 1976. Gale force winds combined with large hail produced widespread damage to infrastructure, buildings and houses. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1976 damage at $12 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $282 million.1/9/1976 0:001/9/1976 0:00-27.56375313151.954055812000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=180 181Disaster EventWide spread flooding occurred in New South Wales a result of a cyclone that moved south from Queensland. Exceptionally heavy rain fell in the north coast and north-western districts. At Murwillumbah on the Tweed River six inches of rain fell in 24 hours, with two inches recorded in the city. Heavy seas caused high tides along the New South Wales coast. The resulting damage included; the closure of the Mascot airport, road closures, 8000 homes damaged, 1000 head of cattle dead, and 10 casualties.1/16/1950 0:001/19/1950 0:00-28.32561302153.3954011080001000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=181 182Disaster EventThe Star of Greece was a three masted ship. It wrecked in high seas near Port Willunga, South Australia 13 July 1888. Of the 28 seaman,17 died even though the wreck occurred 200 m from shore. Rescue efforts from Port Adelaide were unable to cope with the raging seas. The search for bodies among the wreckage, cargo and provisions along the beach was carried out for days.13/07/1888 00:00:0013/07/1888 00:00:00-35.28150177138.416748171South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=182 183Disaster EventThe Rainbow, a wooden paddle steamer, left Richmond River for Sydney on 2 June 1864 and encountered a gale off Seal Rock Bay at Sugarloaf Point. The Rainbow, in attempting to shelter from the weather, foundered and seven lives were lost. The Captain and the cook were injured and the remaining crew walked to Port Stephens. Four other vessels were lost in the same gale.02/06/1864 00:00:0002/06/1864 00:00:00-32.39851761152.5012207271New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=183 184Disaster EventAt approximately 10.35 am on 5 May 1998 as a result of a burst fuel hose, a fire started in the main engine room of the HMAS Westralia. The blaze was instigated by the fuel hose rupture spreading diesel fuel to an exposed indicator cock. HMAS Westralia was approximately 20 km off the Western Australian Coast, near Rottnest Island, at the time of the incident. It was carrying a crew of 98. The engine room was drenched with carbon dioxide to isolate the fire and prevent it from reaching the 20,000 tonnes of highly flammable fuel on board. Four sailors were killed by acute smoke inhalation within five minutes of the fire starting. Nine people required treatment for injuries, although many more suffered smoke inhalation. A Coroner's Court Inquest and a Royal Australian Navy Board of Inquiry found that the fire and subsequent deaths were caused by failings in the machinery and the actions of the company contracted to maintain it.5/5/1998 0:005/5/1998 0:00-31.99642944115.6283569941Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=184 185Disaster EventOn 15 February 1901, a railway accident occurred at Sydenham close to Tempe station. An inquest was established several months later to determine the cause for the incident. It concluded that several engine defects combined with high speed created conditions for accident to occur. As a result 30 people sustained various injuries and seven people died.2/15/1901 0:002/15/1901 0:00-33.92403412151.15650943071New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=185 186Disaster EventDuring the period 9 - 11 March 2001, thunderstorm activity brought intense rainfall to the Queensland south-east Coast district. Subsequent heavy rain affected the Gold Coast and Logan City, with heavy rain falling over Brisbane City, producing areas of flash flooding, particularly across southern suburbs but also in the east and north. Intense rainfall was observed across the district for duration of approximately 6 hours. Gold Coast and Logan City: A person drowned during the early morning hours of 11 March, when the vehicle in which they were passenger was swept off a road near Logan. Many homes and businesses were damaged by flash flooding. Flooding at Beenleigh also led to four houses being inundated with sewage. Brisbane City: A person was confirmed drowned, after being swept away by flood waters on the evening of 9 March, when vehicle in which they were passenger was washed off a road at Lawnton (in Brisbane's north). The damage inventory included hundreds of cars, many shops and offices, and up to 600 homes. Stones Corner, a suburb in inner-eastern Brisbane, was one of the worst hit areas. Metre-deep flooding entered East's League's Club, forcing 50 patrons to be evacuated. About 30 cars were submerged in the club car park. Many houses throughout Brisbane's southern suburbs were also flooded. Over 100 homes were inundated in Wishart (southern suburb). Heavy rain downed powerlines at Annerley, Woolloongabba, Greenslopes and Holland Park. A block of flats at Greenslopes had the roof torn off. Cars that were stalled on flooded roads caused peak-hour traffic chaos. Many cars that had been left in flooded streets floated away. A car dealership in Salisbury reported damage to about 50 vehicles. Three flights were diverted from Brisbane Airport to the Amberley RAAF Base after lights along the Brisbane runway went out (due to lightning). A house boat, moored on Norman Creek in eastern Brisbane, was damaged. The northern suburbs of McDowall, Windsor, Ferny Hills, Arana Hills and Everton Hills also recorded severe water damage. In the northern suburb of Aspley,six new cars were swept from the yard of a car dealership and into Cabbage Tree Creek and another 80 new vehicles were damaged. Flash flooding caused problems in Everton Hills near Kedron Brook. Sunshine Coast: A person was rescued from a vehicle that was washed into a waterway. Shops in the main street of Beerwah were flooded, trees came down on powerlines and cars were swept away. Numerous traffic accidents were reported. Flash flooding was also reported near Sunrise Beach, and at Noosaville, Nambour, Eumundi and Hunchy. Powerlines were brought down at Nambour. Two homes were evacuated when it was believed that the roofs could be blown off. Rainfall recorded during the flash flooding: On the Gold Coast centred around Carrara a total of 176 mm At Beenleigh where 317 mm was recorded at the Bowling Club In the northern suburbs of Brisbane where 187mm was recorded at Everton Hills Approximately 200 mm between Landsbrough and Nambour An area up to 230 mm centred between Ball Lookout and Cooroy The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $37 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $99 million.3/9/2001 0:003/11/2001 0:00-27.96529579153.392486650237000000707166Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=186 187Disaster EventOn 20 December 1837 the Schah, a wooden two mast brig, was en route from Hobart to Sydney when it was blown ashore in a gale about two nautical miles east of Ram Head on the Gippsland coast.The Schah carried ten passengers and a crew of nine. When the vessel struck, five people drowned in heavy seas immediately. Two others drowned with the vessel. The resulting survivors managed to reach the shore but sustained injuries.20/12/1837 00:00:0020/12/1837 00:00:00-37.77695465149.48684691271Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=187 188Disaster EventOn 6 December 1986 two severe storms occurred over Adelaide and region with strong winds heavy and rain. Most damage was caused by wind and there was some flooding reported. Some areas in Adelaide Hills and the Far-North of the state were flooded. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1986 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $50 million.12/6/1986 0:0012/8/1986 0:00-34.92745972138.59999085010000000South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=188 189Disaster EventThe Georgette was a coastal steamer. It wrecked near the mouth of Margaret River on 30 November 1876. Whilst at Bunbury loading passengers and timber, a large jarrah log crashed into the hold, causing damage to the hull that was not immediately noticed. When well at sea a serious leak developed resulting in the wreck. Several unsuccessful attempts at launching life boats saw 12 people die when the lifeboat crashed against the hull and broke up. The remaining passengers and crew stayed onboard drifting. When it became grounded, they were spotted by a woman and a stockman who rode their horses into the surf and helped people reach safety.30/11/1876 00:00:0030/11/1876 00:00:00-33.97399902114.977577212Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=189 190Disaster EventOn 10 July 1978, the Partenavia P68B aircraft with a crew of two and one passenger aboard, took off from Runway 26 at Essendon Airport, Victoria, and climbed to a height of 200 to 250 feet. One engine failed and the aircraft descended and crashed into houses 286 m beyond the western end of the runway. One house was destroyed by explosion and ensuing fire and two other houses were damaged. Six persons on the ground were killed, and one person received minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed and the three occupants were seriously injured.7/10/1978 0:007/10/1978 0:00-37.71876144144.89704946211Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=190 191Disaster EventOn 9 November 1976, a severe hailstorm spread across the Sydney metropolitan area, focusing on the western suburbs. Wind gusts reached 96 km per hour and large hailstones ranging between one and 4.4 cm in diameter were recorded. The storm caused extensive damage to homes and vehicles and ten people sustained injuries. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1976 damage at $40 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $650 million.11/9/1976 0:0011/9/1976 0:00-33.85551834150.86279310732000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=191 192Disaster EventIn the afternoon of 11 December 1996, Singleton in the upper Hunter Valley experienced a severe storm. Hailstones as large as 7 cm penetrated roofs and smashed windows for a period up to fifteen minutes exposing houses to flooding from subsequent large downpours of rain. The storm damaged 700 houses in Singleton and surrounding areas. Approximately 2000 vehicles were seriously damaged and more than 50 cars written off completely. Damage also occurred to crops; grape, barley, lucerne and other market garden enterprises. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1996 damage at $49 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $149 million.12/11/1996 0:0012/11/1996 0:00-32.56196976151.175323549000000700200050New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=192 193Disaster EventA tropical cyclone brought about heavy rainfall to the Bowen district. A 1.5 m wall of water flowed at a rate of 14 km per hour through Clermont destroying houses, furniture, fences, business and livestock. Other towns affected included Peak Downs, Lilyvale and Capella. As a result of the floods 15 people died.01/02/1870 00:00:0001/02/1870 00:00:00-22.81669426147.648010315Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=193 194Disaster EventBetween 1900 and 1925, there were 12 major plague outbreaks in 27 localities of Australia introduced by infected rats from overseas ships. According to Government health archives, there were 1371 reported cases of plague and 535 deaths. Sydney was most affected, but the disease also spread to Queensland with occasional cases found in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Kalgoorlie and Fremantle.1/19/1900 0:001/1/1925 0:00-33.87497711151.21582031371535Queensland;New South Wales;South Australia;Western Australia;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=194 195Disaster EventOn 16 October 1991, a number of fires erupted on the coast of New South Wales many of which were believed to be deliberately lit. Major towns affected included Kenthurst, Hunter, Shoalhaven, Baulkham Hills, Gosford, Wyong Shire, Lake Macquarie and Cooma. Approximately 2500 firefighters were activated to control around thirty separate incidents across the state. A total of fourteen homes were completely destroyed and two people died via the fires at Kenthurst.10/16/1991 0:001/31/1992 0:00-33.65120697151.001586921200000014New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=195 196Disaster EventOn 14 January 1985 a significant number of bushfires started in Victoria predominantly from lightning strikes. A major fire in Central Victoria burnt 50,800 hectares of land, including 17,600 hectares of Crown Land. Three people died and over 180 houses, 500 farms and 46,000 livestock were destroyed as a result of the fire. Areas affected including Avoca, Maryborough, and Little River. A large number of fires also started in the Victorian alpine areas, the largest at Mt Buffalo burning 51,400 hectares. Overall, 111 fires started on public land on and it took two weeks to bring the fires under control.1/14/1985 0:001/28/1985 0:00-37.04653931143.736969600318050046000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=196 197Disaster EventA severe dry commenced in February 1951. Low rainfall, grass fires and bushfires over an area of about 6 million ha and cold winters caused one of the worst droughts in Queensland. Losses occurred in the cropping, farming and dairy industries. Crop and dairy production were the lowest since 1926. The dry conditions continued until April 1952. A further period of dry weather followed in 1953. By early 1954 the drought covered the Gulf of Carpentaria to the Darling Downs and west to the border with South Australia.1/1/1951 0:004/1/1954 0:00-25.16517258143.6572266100000Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=197 198Disaster EventOn 6 November 1920 nine people were killed after a private mill train ran out of control down a steep gradient. The 32 wagon trail loaded with sleepers departed the Mornington Timber Mill en route for Wokalup 10 km away where it would then travel to Perth or Bunbury. The train was estimated to weigh 600 tonnes and only three wagons had vacuum brakes. The line to Wokalup was almost all downhill and shortly into the journey the train started to gather speed at an alarming rate. The train left the line on a sharp 'S' bend. Most of the 32 wagons were derailed with some lying on their side. Seven mill workers, the driver and fireman died.11/6/1920 0:0011/6/1920 0:00-33.17391205115.86250319Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=198 199Disaster EventOn 1 September 1923, an explosion occurred at the Bellbird Colliery and 21 miners were killed. This incident introduced legislation, which resulted in the commencement of the NSW Mines Rescue Act (1925). The legislation established a platform for safety and conditions for the mining industry.9/1/1923 0:009/1/1923 0:00-32.84729004151.321563721New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=199 200Disaster EventOn 8 December 1987 at approximately 4.00 pm, a gunman entered the Australia Post building on Queen Street Melbourne with a sawn-off M1 carbine. The massacre ended on the 11th floor, when the gun was wrestled from the offender by an office worker. The gunman then took his own life by breaking a window and jumping to his death. The attack resulted in nine fatalities, and five injuries.12/8/1987 0:0012/8/1987 0:00-37.8139801144.959991559Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=200 201Disaster EventDuring the period between 17-18 August, a low pressure trough moved along the central and southern New South Wales coast causing heavy rainfall. On 17 August between the hours 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, a thunderstorm remained over the Wollongong area dumping heavy falls. Due to the flash flooding, many areas were isolated until 9:00 pm. As a result, major roads and train lines to Wollongong were disrupted and mudslides were reported on some roads, including Bulli Pass. Fifty homes were flooded in north Wollongong, and it was reported homes along the coast were dislodged from their foundations. One person drowned in attempting to cross a flooded creek at Bellambi. Damage recorded in Sydney suburbs included; erosion of beach side suburbs, 14 metropolitan roads blocked, power loss to thousands of homes, reports of winds reaching up to 92 km per hour which brought down trees and power lines. Due to the impact of the flood, the State Emergency Services (SES) obtained access to the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (NDRA) funding which assisted in the response efforts. During the cleanup operation up to 450 personnel assisted and 41 SES volunteer units sent teams into Wollongong. Rainfall recorded for 24 hours to 9:00am on 18 August were: Mt Ousley: 445 mm Bulli Pass: 410 mm Keiraville: 337 mm Figtree: 313 mm Wollongong: 316 mm The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $40 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $97 million.8/17/1998 0:008/19/1998 0:00-34.42443466150.893096914000000050New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=201 202Disaster EventThe Lake Illawarra was a steel single screw steam turbine motor vessel, bulk carrier. The Lake Illawarra sank after running into and demolishing part of the Tasman Bridge that crossed the Derwent River at Hobart, 5 January 1975. The vessel was en route from Port Pirie in South Australia with a cargo of zinc. When approaching the bridge, the captain reduced speed, but was finding it difficult to align the ship to the central navigation span of the bridge. Despite several attempts to change the course, the ship was difficult to manage in part due to the lack of speed. The master finally called out full speed astern in a last attempt to change the course of the ship when the ship veered into the pile capping of Pier 18 and then Pier 19 bringing the three unsupported spans of the bridge crashing into vessels' hull. The ship sank within minutes in deep water. Seven crew members on the ship died and four cars ran over the gap into the Derwent River, five occupants died while others managed to escape from the two vehicles which teetered on the edge of the gap. The collapse effectively divided Hobart in two. Police and emergency services were called into action and within an hour a ferry was traversing the river. The next day there were three private ferries and one government run ferry in operation. Eastern shore residents were severely hindered by the collapse as most hospitals, schools, businesses and government offices were located on the west shore. A temporary bridge (the Bailey bridge) with one lane in each direction was built and opened to traffic on 16 December 1975. The federal government provided funding to rebuild the Tasman bridge at a cost of $44 million and it re-opened 8 October 1977.1/5/1975 0:001/5/1975 0:00-42.94033813147.38296511211Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=202 203Disaster EventOn 8 December 1886, the vessel Keilawarra, on a 52 day voyage, struck the SS Helen Nicholl near North Solitary Island, Coffs Harbour. The impact caused significant damage to the Keilawarra, which was the bigger of the two vessels. After the initial impact it took approximately seven minutes for the Keilawarra to sink. As a result 40 people died. This event brought about important safety changes including the equal ratio of lifebelts to passenger's regulation and that they were to be readily accessible. The wreckage was discovered 144 years later by John Riley on 18 September 2000.08/12/1886 00:00:0008/12/1886 00:00:00-30.23798943153.18130494011New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=203 204Disaster EventAustralian Hospital Ship (AHS) Centaur was en route from Sydney to Port Moresby when, at approximately 4:10 am on 14 May 1943, the vessel was torpedoed by an unknown Japanese sub-marine. The torpedo hit the fuel bunkers, which caused a major explosion and many concussion deaths, with passengers dying from fire related injuries. Of the 332 individuals aboard the Centaur 268 perished. The other 64 passengers spent approximately 36 hours at sea, drifting 36 km north-east of the sinking position before being rescued on 15 May 1943.5/14/1943 0:005/14/1943 0:00-26.97470856153.4323122681Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=204 205Disaster EventOn Thursday 10 June 1926, the Brisbane Limited train left Sydney with 143 passengers en route to Brisbane. At approximately 9:50 pm, the eight carriage train left Aberdeen station and fell through the Hunter River bridge, overturning the engine and derailing four carriages. As a result 39 passengers were injured and four people died. A coronial inquest into the four deaths was held at Muswellbrook on 28 June 1926 and the deaths were ruled as accidental. It was established that the poor condition of the railway track caused the engine to roll off the tracks as the train approached the bridge.6/10/1926 0:006/10/1926 0:00-32.16685867150.89202883941New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=205 206Disaster EventThroughout February and March 1926, forest fires raged across large areas of Gippsland. In total, 60 people died. There was widespread destruction to farms, houses and sawmills. It is estimated 400,000 hectares of forest was burnt. The fires reached their peak on 14 February (Black Sunday) when 31 people died at Warburton near Melbourne. Other areas badly affected include Noojee, Kinglake, Erica and the Dandenong Ranges. Widespread fires also occurred across New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.2/1/1926 0:003/10/1926 0:00-37.75360107145.689086970060Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=206 207Disaster EventThe Amelia J was a wooden three mast topsail schooner. It was en route from Newcastle to Hobart on 21 August 1920 with a crew of 12 and a cargo of coal. The Amelia J failed to arrive. It was last seen off Jervis Bay in New South Wales on 5 September and believed to have disappeared either off the south coast of New South Wales or the eastern approaches to Bass Strait.8/21/1920 0:008/21/1920 0:00-35.16931915150.803833121Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=207 208Disaster EventOn 7 August 1998 three people died and 19 were injured when a tour bus travelling from Melbourne to Canberra collided with a semi trailer on the Hume Highway resulting in the bus rolling onto its side. All injured passengers were taken to Yass Hospital for treatment.8/7/1998 0:008/7/1998 0:00-34.83846283148.9116058193New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=208 209Disaster EventThe Vergulde Draeck was a three masted Dutch Ship. It was en route from Texel, Netherlands departing 4 October 1655 with more than 200 passengers and crew and a rich cargo including 78,600 guilders. It wrecked at the mouth of the Moore River near Cape Leschenault Western Australia on 28 April 1656, the exact position is unknown. On striking rocks, the ship broke up immediately and it is likely over 100 drowned. The survivors made it to shore on two boats. The captain sent a crew of seven to Batavia to raise the alarm where they arrived safely on 7 June 1656. Two ships set out to rescue the survivors but could not locate them. In searching for survivors, the yacht Goede Hoop and the Waeckende Boey lost boats and 10 men. In the following years more ships attempted to find survivors and only found what appeared to be the original castaway's camp.01/01/1753 00:00:0001/01/1753 00:00:00-33.30011749115.65856931001Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=209 210Disaster EventOn 2 December 1998, a fire six km north of Linton and 30 km west of Ballarat in Western Victoria, burnt 660 hectares of public and private land. In the evening two CFA fire trucks became surrounded by fire. The crew managed to save themselves in one of the trucks however the other was destroyed by fire and the crew of five volunteer firefighters died. A Coronial Inquest was undertaken and after a lengthy review process a report was produced on 11 January 2002 detailing 55 recommendations.12/2/1998 0:0012/2/1998 0:00-37.68438339143.563354552Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=210 211Disaster EventThe Cessna 210M was en route from Koolan Island to Derby on 23 December 1984 with five passengers and the pilot on board. The aircraft became airborne approximately 54 m before the end of the runway. It was seen to descend into a small ravine off the end of the runway, then climb steeply and strike power lines before impacting the ground in a near vertical nose down attitude. All on board died. 12/23/1984 0:0012/23/1984 0:00-16.12482123.78278761Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=211 212Disaster EventOn 24 January 1974, torrential rain and record breaking floods were a direct result of Tropical Cyclone Wanda, which crossed north of Brisbane. Record flooding occurred in the Bulloo, Paroo, middle and lower reaches of the Flinders, Norman, Gilbert, Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina and Eyre rivers and creeks as well as Nerang, Brisbane City metropolitan, upper Brisbane, Bremer, Warrill and Logan rivers. By 29 January the Brisbane area had recorded 900 mm of rain. Brisbane also received 314 mm of rain in a 24 hour period surpassing the previous record established in 1931. Six thousand houses were inundated by flood waters, where 56 were either completely destroyed or deemed uninhabitable. There was widespread damage to infrastructure including roads, railways and bridges as well as power lines, resulted in serious power failures throughout the affected regions. Business and industries sustained millions of dollars in losses due to the heavy deluge. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1974 damage at $68 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $2645 million.1/25/1974 0:001/29/1974 0:00-27.4712677153.009170525003001368000000600056Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=212 213Disaster EventAt approximately 7.45 pm on 14 April 1999, a torrential hailstorm hit Sydney's inner and eastern suburbs, damaging thousands of homes and cars. Hailstones the size of cricket balls hit the city at more than 200 km per hour. The storm hit 85 suburbs, causing damage to 20,000 houses including windows, roofs and skylights. Seventy thousand cars sustained windscreen and panel damage. The worst affected areas included the south-east suburbs of Kensington, Kingsford, Botany, Mascot, Randwick and Paddington. One person died as a result of the storm. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1999 damage at $1700 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $4296 million.4/14/1999 0:004/14/1999 0:00-33.9096756151.223022550050117000000002000025002540000602000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=213 214Disaster Event<p ><span >The Conside was an iron screw steamer. It was travelling from Sydney to Melbourne with 180 passengers when it ran onto Lonsdale Reef Port Phillip Heads in the early hours on 14 September 1852. Fourteen lives were lost.  14/09/1852 00:00:0014/09/1852 00:00:00-38.29613495144.5859222141Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=214 215Disaster EventOn 22 October 1985, a toxic gas leak occurred onboard the HMAS Stalwart north of Darwin. Three crew members died as a result of the gases. Sixty people were injured by the fumes and required medical treatment.10/22/1985 0:0010/22/1985 0:00-12.4713583130.8701324603Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=215 216Disaster EventThe Sierra Nevada was an iron ship. It wrecked off London bridge on the Portsea back beach 9 May 1900 while en route from Liverpool to Melbourne. Fourteen men manned a lifeboat but after being swamped by a wave, nine drowned. As another boat was launched the ship disintegrated and all people remaining on board died. Five survived out of a crew of 28.5/9/1900 0:005/9/1900 0:00-38.33506012144.6839294231Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=216 217Disaster EventThe Queensland flood of 1893 is often referred to as the Black February Flood. Tropical cyclone Bundinyong brought about extreme weather conditions and heavy rain to the area. Crohamhurst recorded 914 mm in a 24 hour period. Furthermore, the water gauge recorded 8.35 m above the low tide level and 889 mm of rain fell in the Brisbane water catchment reserves. Further flooding destroyed two major bridges. Both the Victoria bridge and the Indooroopilly Railway bridge collapsed. There were 35 recorded deaths.01/02/1893 00:00:0015/02/1893 00:00:00-27.61281967152.75802615000300352Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=217 218Disaster EventCyclone Audrey began on 28 February 1969, and brought rough seas and heavy rain to the north and west coasts of the Northern Territory. It caused only minor damage, including uplifting roofs of buildings at Milingimbi and Maningrida. At Goulburn Island off the northern Arnhem Land coast four fishermen were killed by the cyclone.2/28/1969 0:003/9/1969 0:00-12.05006504134.21997074Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=218 219Disaster EventOn 3 October 1986 a severe hailstorm spread over Western Sydney. Hail stones of up to 6 cm caused damage to hundreds of homes and ten people sustained injury. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1999 damage at $104 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $638 million.10/3/1986 0:0010/3/1986 0:00-33.81459808151.003128112010104000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=219 220Disaster EventOn 19 May 1841, the two mast wooden schooner Carrington left Sydney en route to Port Stephens. The ship was lost at sea and remains of cargo washed ashore at Port Stephens. The five crew and an unknown number of passengers were presumed dead.19/05/1842 00:00:0020/05/1842 00:00:00-32.7087326152.299011251New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=220 221Disaster EventOn 25 March 1900 the Glenelg, an iron twin screw steamship with a cargo of wool and electricity poles onboard, was en route from Lakes Entrance to Melbourne. It foundered 40 miles west of the Lakes Entrance, Ninety Mile Beach after a leak that quickly sank the vessel. Three people survived and 31 people died.3/25/1911 0:003/25/1911 0:00-38.2683754147.5079346311Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=221 222Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Emily formed off the southern and central coasts of Queensland resulting in eight deaths (in three separate incidents). Other damage recorded included flooding at Kingaroy and Brisbane.3/27/1972 0:004/2/1972 0:00-23.41284752150.81756598Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=222 223Disaster EventOn 21 June 1987, a Cessna 402 aircraft transporting a critically injured patient crashed shortly after takeoff. The investigation revealed that the aircraft had collided with a tree 800 m beyond the aerodrome boundary, while tracking about 10 degrees to the right of the extended centreline of the runway. It had continued on the same heading until striking the ground 177 m beyond the initial impact point. The wreckage was almost totally consumed by fire. Four people lost their lives and one survived with injuries.6/21/1987 0:006/21/1987 0:00-24.86404991152.3483582141Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=223 224Disaster EventDuring the period between September and November 1994, fires burnt through rural and urban property on the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Pine Rivers, Brisbane and other local Government areas. A total of 682 major fires occurred across the state. Major outbreaks occurred on 27 - 29 September and again on 4 - 7 November. Twenty three houses were destroyed, as well as farm buildings, fences and livestock. Three thousand people were evacuated from their homes. Beerburrum State Forest sustained plantation timber losses of approximately 5000 hectares. Nine volunteer fire fighters were injured, with seven sustaining extensive burns. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1994 damage at $59.1 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $215 million.9/27/1994 0:0011/7/1994 0:00-27.08205414152.9538879300095910000023Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=224 225Disaster Event<p ><span >On 23 September 1896 the Bogong, a wooden single screw steamer, was leaking and wrecked near the mouth of the Snowy River, Gippsland coast. Of the seven people on board only three survived.23/09/1896 00:00:0023/09/1896 00:00:00-37.80695343148.5411224341Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=225 226Disaster EventOn 15 May 1853 the Monumental City, a wooden steamship, whilst returning to Sydney from Melbourne with 91 passengers and crew onboard, ran ashore on Tullaberga Island west of Gabo Island and was totally wrecked. Fifty-four people were saved reaching the Island using a hawser fastened to a rock and 37 people lost their lives. 15/05/1853 00:00:0015/05/1853 00:00:00-37.55485153149.8433075371Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=226 227Disaster EventOn 13 January 1835 the wooden schooner, St Patrick, left Port Hacking and was en route to Sydney. Rough conditions caused by severe weather resulted in the vessel disappearing somewhere off Port Jackson Heads. All three crew members were killed but only one body was recovered near Botany Heads on 27 January.13/01/1835 00:00:0013/01/1835 00:00:00-33.84646606151.292724631New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=227 228Disaster EventOn 16 July 1986 at approximately 11:05 am, an explosion occurred at the No 4 Moura mine in central Queensland. The 12 miners had been extracting pillars in the main dips section and were subsequently killed as a result of the explosion. In accordance with section 74 of the Coal Mining Act (1925) an inquiry was held to investigate the incident with emphasis on determining the reasons for the incident. The report stipulated that the explosion was a result of numerous issues forming a dangerous working environment, which in turn led to the ignition of the safety lamp and the subsequent explosion.7/16/1986 0:007/16/1986 0:00-24.55961037149.970245412Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=228 229Disaster EventOn 24 December 1928 at Koo-Wee-Rup station, a goods locomotive was being reversed out of a holding siding ready for service when the wrong lever was pulled and the goods train ended up on the main line. The train was in the path of the Flinders Street - Korumburra passenger train with the leading six carriages carrying nearly 400 passengers. Having received an 'all clear' signal, the passenger train was travelling at approximately 50 km per hour. The impact saw five of the six carriages have their sides ripped open by the locomotive.Derailment did not occur. In total 54 passengers were injured, 18 seriously.12/24/1928 0:0012/24/1928 0:00-38.19873047145.485809354Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=229 230Disaster EventOn 9 June 1979 at approximately 10.45 pm, six children and one adult were killed when a ghost train amusement ride at Sydney's Luna Park caught on fire. A coronial inquest was unable to identify the cause of the fire however, it did find that inadequate firefighting measures and low staffing were contributory to the deaths. The case was reopened in 1987 but no new findings were made.6/9/1979 0:006/9/1979 0:00-33.87269592151.20698557New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=230 231Disaster EventOn 5 September 1974 an explosion occurred in the boiler room of the Mount St Canice laundry adjacent to the convent of The Good Shepherd, St Canice Avenue, Sandy Bay, Hobart. The new boiler was being installed when it exploded under test. A second boiler was operating at the time and was destroyed by the explosion. The building was extensively damaged. Seven people were killed and one died later in hospital. Seventeen people were injured, several seriously.9/5/1974 0:009/5/1974 0:00-42.89118576147.3268281781Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=231 232Disaster EventOn 6 August 1996, up to 150 people were sent crashing to the ground after seating scaffolding collapsed during a circus performance in Cleve, Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Approximately 50 people were injured with many requiring hospitalisation.8/6/1996 0:008/6/1996 0:00-33.70070648136.493148850South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=232 233Disaster EventOn 1 March 1954 for 20 to 30 seconds, a 5.5 Richter Scale earthquake caused damage to 3000 buildings including collapsed and cracked walls, smashed windows and collapsed chimneys mainly in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. Some houses were reduced to rubble. The earthquake, which started at approximately 3.45 am, caused some metropolitan areas to lose power for two hours. Several big city buildings were cracked and damaged. It also resulted in three people being seriously injured. At the time, damage from the earthquake was estimated at approximately £3 million.3/1/1954 0:003/1/1954 0:00-34.97600174138.625488333000South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=233 234Disaster EventThe Tubal Cain was an iron framed, timber planked, three mast ship. It was en route from Newcastle, New South Wales to Wallaroo, South Australia. It sank immediately after a collision with 'Constance' 200 miles south-west of Cape Otway Victoria on 26 August 1862. In total, 12 crew drowned, and there was only one survivor.26/08/1862 00:00:0026/08/1862 00:00:00-39.01918411142.360839811211Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=234 235Disaster EventThe fire known as Black Sunday occurred on 2 January 1955. The Mount Lofty Ranges east of Adelaide was devastated by fires. Adelaide reached a maximum temperature of 43 °C at 1.00 pm. Wind gusts of 100 km per hour were recorded with higher velocities in the hills. The fire was particularly intense near Upper Sturt where the railway station and several houses were destroyed as well as Crafers, Aldgate, Loftia Park resort; and Marble Hill where the governors' summer residence was burnt down. Two firefighters were killed and 40,000 ha burnt out. The damage bill was estimated at £4 million.1/2/1955 0:001/2/1955 0:00-35.00764465138.70874022South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=235 236Disaster EventA rock fall in the Blackmans Flat mine killed three miners.1/1/1972 0:001/1/1972 0:00-33.34960175150.05487063New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=236 237Disaster EventCyclone Bobby travelled south along the west coast of Australia and passed near Onslow. It caused considerable damage to homes and buildings bringing heavy rains which flooded roads, damaged bridges, and caused damage to crops. The mining industry was severely affected. The cyclone moved slowly and erratically along the Pilbara coast crossing just to the east of Onslow. The highest recorded wind gust was 183 km per hour at Onslow. A gust of 166 km per hour was recorded on Varanus Island off the Western Australian coast. Very heavy rainfall accompanied Bobby, with more than 400 mm of rain falling in the Onslow area. Very minor property damage was reported from the Karratha area. Approximately 20 houses at Onslow sustained superficial roofing damage. Pastoral stations along the track between Onslow and Gascoyne Junction reported property damage. Seven lives were lost when two fishing trawlers sunk off the coast from Onslow, and a motorist drowned while attempting to cross a flooded creek at Canarvon. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1995 damage at $11 million, with the 2012 estimated normalised cost of $48 million.2/24/1995 0:002/27/1995 0:00-21.63766289115.114936881100000020Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=237 238Disaster EventA 'super cell' storm whipped up massive seas in Bass Strait shortly after the deepwater ocean race began, which caused the drownings of six sailors (from New South Wales, Tasmania and Britain) when the storm cut through the fleet competing in the annual Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race. Seven yachts were abandoned at sea and lost, while 30 civil and military aircraft joined in the rescue operation of 55 sailors from 12 stricken yachts. The total cost, including damaged and sunken boats plus the rescue bill was estimated at $30 million. Only 44 out of 115 yachts finished the race, with many having to retire from the race and seek refuge at Eden on the southern New South Wales coast.12/26/1998 0:0012/30/1998 0:00-39.32579803145.83251957065000000807Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=238 239Disaster EventFrom 16 September to the end of December 1918, fire spread throughout an area near Charleville, Blackall, Barcaldine, Hughenden and Longreach. Five lives were lost near Saltern Creek.9/16/1918 0:0012/30/1918 0:00-23.44151306144.24842835Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=239 240Disaster EventOn 1 January 1947 at 2.30 pm, a severe hailstorm spread over Sydney, with hail stones reportedly falling in some instances up to 1.8 kg. The hail caused widespread damage to the area. The storm started in the St. George and Canterbury-Bankstown districts, tracking across Sydney from the south-western suburbs to the eastern suburbs. Many city buildings, such as the Art Gallery and Central Station, sustained extensive damage and more than 300 people were hospitalised. Suburbs affected include Bankstown, Belmore, Enfield, Rockdale, Bexley North, Punchbowl Hurstville, Marrickville, Stanmore, Enmore, Newtown. Redfern, Mascot, Botany, Waterloo, Paddington, Bondi, Edgecliff, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Darling Point, Cremorne, Beecroft and the central and southern part of the city.1/1/1947 0:001/1/1947 0:00-33.81110382151.2130737300New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=240 241Disaster EventOn 28 May 1853 the Marmion, a wooden two mast brig, was travelling from Liverpool with ten crew on board when it was wrecked in heavy seas on a reef off Point Nepean, Port Phillip Heads. Four people drowned.28/05/1853 00:00:0028/05/1853 00:00:00-38.32011032144.629516641Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=241 242Disaster EventOn 14 July 1912, the ship Candidate left Camden Haven and was en route to Sydney when it disappeared. The five crew members aboard were presumed dead.7/14/1912 0:007/14/1912 0:00-32.28712845152.67700251New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=242 243Disaster EventFederal was a steel screw steamship collier. It was carrying a crew of 21 and a cargo of coal when it left Port Kembla and was last seen on 21 March 1901 heading into heavy weather south-east of Gabo Island. It is presumed all 21 died.3/21/1901 0:003/21/1901 0:00-37.5698204149.905578621Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=243 244Disaster EventOn Sunday 2 October 1994, the pilot submitted a flight plan to the Melbourne Civil Aviation Authority indicating that Aero Commander 690 aircraft VH-SVQ would be conducting a regular public transport service, flight CD 111, from Sydney (Kingsford-Smith) Airport to Lord Howe Island with an intermediate landing at Williamtown. The plane was manned by one pilot and arrived at Williamtown without incident. Upon take off, the pilot advised he would fly at a flight level of 210. The radar trace showed that the climb reached 20,400 ft at 1231 hours. Seconds later the aircraft commenced descent. The last recorded radar trace for SVQ was at 19,800 ft at 1232. At 1245, the pilot stated that the aircraft was maintaining a flight level of 160. No explanation of the amended level was given by the pilot or sought by Sydney Flight Service. The pilot reported a severe vibration which he thought was caused by airframe or propeller icing. He also confirmed that he had turned the propeller heat on. Communications were lost. At 1325 an uncertainty phase was declared and the Melbourne Rescue Co-ordination Centre made arrangements for search and rescue. A distress phase was declared at 1411. As a result of this incident nine people were killed. Only a small part of the plane was recovered in the search.10/2/1994 0:0010/2/1994 0:00-31.57853508156.851806691New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=244 245Disaster EventFrom 24 December 2001, more than 100 fires burned through parts of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The first fires to break out were in the Cessnock, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith areas. The fires lasted for approximately 23 days and required over 20,000 regular and volunteer firefighters as well as 85 aircraft. The worst fires were in the Huskisson / Sussex Inlet area near Jervis Bay in the Illawarra and the Deua National Park west of Moruya. The weather across all affected areas during this time included temperatures of up to 45º C, winds in excess of 90 km per hour, relative humidity as low as 6 per cent and Fire Danger Ratings of up to 100. Twenty-six bushfire emergency declarations were made, incorporating the 48 local government areas of Blue Mountains / Lithgow / Rylstone, Cessnock / Wyong, Hawkesbury, Kempsey, Mudgee, Oberon / Mulwarree, Richmond Valley / Maclean, Shoalhaven / Tallaganda, Gosford, Penrith / Fairfield / Blacktown / Liverpool, Singleton / Muswellbrook, Sutherland, Wollondilly / Campbelltown / Wingecarribee, Wollongong / Kiama / Shellharbour, Baulkham Hills / Hornsby / Ku-ring-gai / Ryde / Lane Cove, Grafton / Pristine Waters / Maclean / Copmanhurst, Eurobodalla, Warringah / Pittwater, Narrabri, Kempsey, Cabonne, Coffs Harbour, Richmond Valley, Greater Taree, Kempsey and Walcha. The fires burnt approximately 753,314 hectares, destroyed 109 houses and damaged a further 40. They also destroyed 433 outbuildings, 222 vehicles, and 7043 stock and 33 commercial and industrial buildings. Vast stretches of forests were destroyed, including more than 60 per cent of the Royal National Park, and more than 510 hectares of pine plantation valued at several million dollars in the Australian Capital Territory. The smoke and smog from the fire caused the Environmental Protection Authority to record the worst ever air pollution in Sydney on 28 December. Although major fire activity ended on 7 January, operations continued until 11 January. More than 11,000 people were evacuated from their homes, but there were no deaths or major injuries. An estimated 20,000 properties were saved and the cost of operations was estimated at $106 million. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $69 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $131 million.12/24/2001 0:001/11/2002 0:00-35.05125809150.66842651100069000000401094432227043New South Wales;Australian Capital Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=245 246Disaster EventOn 10 July 1932, the iron screw steamer Casino capsized and sank in heavy seas a quarter of a mile off Apollo Bay. Casino was carrying a crew of 17 as well as two passengers. She attempted to berth at the Long Bay Pier at Apollo Bay in a southerly gale when the bottom struck sand opening up her bow. Within two minutes of the order to launch lifeboats the vessel had turned on her side, foundered and sank. In total ten people drowned.7/10/1932 0:007/10/1932 0:00-38.7717514143.7193756101Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=246 247Disaster EventOn 6 August 1994, an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale affected the Hunter region of New South Wales. Homes, hotels and other buildings suffered serious damage. There were also infrastructure, commercial and industrial losses. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1994 damage at $37.2 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $115 million.8/6/1994 0:008/6/1994 0:00-32.78034592151.346969637200000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=247 248Disaster EventOn the 8 November 1984, thunderstorms caused extremely heavy rain over a sizeable area near the centre of Sydney. Observatory Hill recorded 196 mm in three hours. Due to large expanses of urban areas being paved, much of the rainfall became flood run-off, causing damage to homes along the Harbour. Vehicles were swept off roads or buried in mud. Thousands of homes were flooded, and hundreds of people evacuated. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1984 damage at $80 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $578 million.11/8/1984 0:0011/8/1984 0:00-33.85963821151.204681480000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=248 249Disaster EventOn 19 and 23 September 1998, the central and southern wheatbelt of Western Australia experienced severe frosts, the worst in history. These events were extremely damaging as the mild winter accelerated the crop development so that crops were very susceptible to frost damage. The crop damage totalled approximately $98 million.9/19/1998 0:009/23/1998 0:00-31.47698784118.2832718Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=249 250Disaster EventBetween the 1930's and 1960's there were approximately 40,000 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis recorded in Australia. Actual numbers of the polio infection could be up to 100 times greater. Only approximately one in 100 cases of poliomyelitis causes complete paralysis thereby requiring hospitalisation and mandatory reporting. However, a large percentage of the 'non-paralytic' and non-reported polio infections would still have caused considerable damage to the motor neurons.1/1/1930 0:001/1/1959 0:00-27.47023964153.023422240000Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=250 251Disaster EventIn the summer of 1911 - 1912 it is estimated that 143 people died as a result of the heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/1/1911 0:002/28/1912 0:00-27.15840912132.7209015143Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=251 252Disaster EventOn 27 June 1950 an Australian National Airlines Skymaster DC-4 'Amana' was en route from Perth to Adelaide and Melbourne, its regular public service, when the plane crashed into thick forest country near York 80 miles from Perth. All 29 on board died; the one survivor from the crash died in hospital several days later. 6/27/1950 0:006/27/1950 0:00-31.94662666116.6133499291Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=252 253Disaster EventIn July 1852, gales destroyed several small vessels off the New South Wales coast near Sydney. Some of the vessels destroyed in these gales include Highlander, Baruah, Elizabeth Jane, Effort and Pelican. The crew and passengers may have died in the wreck of the Highlander but the records are not conclusive. The Baruah was lost ashore on Tuggerah Beach where two crew were believed to have drowned. On the previous day the Pelican was wrecked near Lake Macquarie. The Elizabeth Jane came ashore in a gale between Tuggerah Beach and Terrigal Head. The vessel Effort that was destroyed at a nearby location and survivors found five bodies.22/06/1852 00:00:0023/06/1852 00:00:00-33.34444046151.523345975New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=253 254Disaster EventOn 26 January 1971 widespread flooding occurred in Woden Valley, south-east of Canberra, as a result of a super cell thunderstorm. Rainfall started at approximately 7.30 - 7.50 pm and up to 100 mm was recorded in one hour by private rain gauges in the suburb of Farrer and Torrens. The rain waters filled the creek that ran beside the Woden Valley freeway, and as debris blocked the valley, the backup of water sent a flash flood onto the freeway. The 200 m wide, 1.5 m deep torrent engulfed more than a dozen cars, and caused the deaths of seven people aged between six and 20. A subsequent Coroner's Report found the deaths to be accidental drowning, and the Department of Interior found that approximately $120,000 of public/government owned property was damaged. The Bureau of Meteorology estimated the total damage bill at $9 million.1/26/1971 0:001/26/1971 0:00-35.36168671149.07164157Australian Capital Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=254 255Disaster EventOn Wednesday 13 October 1954, 40 miners were working underground in the Collinsville mine where an explosion occurred. A Warden's Inquiry was established to investigate the incident; however it was replaced by a Royal Commission. The 1956 Commission findings established that the disaster was attributed to a gas outburst, in which carbon dioxide leaked into the main shaft. As a result many miners were affected by the toxic gas; seven dying from asphyxiation and two severely injured.10/13/1954 0:0010/13/1954 0:00-20.54922295147.845077527Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=255 256Disaster EventOn 29 October 1905, a fire caused by spontaneous combustion began in the Stanford Merthyr Colliery. In an attempt to extinguish the fire six workers died.10/29/1905 0:0010/29/1905 0:00-32.8270607151.48876956New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=256 257Disaster EventOn the 6 March 1956, Cyclone Agnes, the first Australian tropical cyclone tracked on radar, passed over Townsville, Ingham, Cairns, McKay and then into the interior. Many homes sustained roof damage and approximately 20 homes were left uninhabitable. As a result of Cyclone Agnes, four deaths occurred from inland flooding. The 1956 estimated damage cost was £2.5m in Cairns and an estimated damage cost of £1million in Townsville.3/6/1956 0:003/7/1956 0:00-19.25200272146.8206024420Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=257 258Disaster EventHMAS Tarakan served as a general purpose vessel, operating in both Australian and New Guinean waters. On the 25 January 1950 an explosion occurred under the mess decks subsequently killing eight individuals and injuring another twelve. The vessel was extensively damaged and did not return to active service until 12 March 1954.1/25/1950 0:001/25/1950 0:00-33.85652542151.22453311281New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=258 259Disaster EventOn 8 May the Cambus Wallace, a three mast barque weighing 1651 tons, left Glasgow on a maiden voyage to Australia. During the voyage the ship encountered severe storms and sustained damage. On 2 September, additional bad weather caused further damage.The ship finally sank 15 miles north of Jumpin Pin. Five crew members died.02/09/1894 00:00:0002/09/1894 00:00:00-27.1960144154.270019551Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=259 260Disaster EventOn 13 September 1926, the north-west Moree Mail train was travelling from Moree to Sydney when it was struck by five runaway carriages from a goods train near the Murulla Crossing. The disaster resulted in 27 deaths with a further 38 people injured. The accident could have been avoided with the purchase of a coupling pin, which at the time would have cost 1s3d -13cents. The incident sparked a review of rail infrastructure in New South Wales and a Royal Commission was planned but never occurred due to a change of Government in 1927.9/13/1926 0:009/13/1926 0:00-31.75240135150.833007838272New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=260 261Disaster EventThe steamship Yongala, weighing 3664 tons, capsized during a cyclone off Cape Bowling Green near Townsville. The ship sank in the Coral Sea, resulting in 65 passengers and 72 crew member deaths.3/23/1911 0:003/23/1911 0:00-18.27108574155.87402341371Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=261 262Disaster EventOn 4 August 1986, torrential rain fell within a 24 hour period with rainfall recorded at 327.6 mm. The subsequent damage included; 10,000 homes damaged, roads flooded, bus, train and ferry services disrupted resulting in people being stranded in the city, electricity supply problems and property damage. As the rain eased in Sydney the wind shifted more southerly early on 6 August. This caused the Blue Mountains to experience heavy rains, resulting in the largest floods on record on the Cox and Grose rivers. The rain moved south to the Illawarra and west of Wollongong, adding to the already high Georges River (recorded at 4.5 m); the Hawkesbury River peaked at 12.8 m. This resulted in flooding covering the bridge at Milperra. Six deaths were recorded. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1986 damage at $35 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $215 million.8/4/1986 0:008/6/1986 0:00-34.42443466150.893096963500000010000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=262 263Disaster EventOn 5 August 1944 Japanese Prisoners of War (POWs) housed in the detention camp in Cowra, New South Wales staged an outbreak. The camp contained around 4000 POW held in four separate 17 acre compounds. At approximately 2 am, 378 Japanese prisoners armed themselves with improvised weapons including clubs, bats and sharpened mess knifes. They breached the perimeter subsequently escaping. This was the first and only escape of its kind on Australian soil. A Military Court of Inquiry investigated the incident, and a summary of its findings was read to the House of Representatives by Prime Minister John Curtin on 8 September 1944. The inquiry drew several conclusions from the incident. Firstly, conditions at the camp were fully in accordance with the International Convention. Secondly, no complaints regarding treatment had been made by or on behalf of the Japanese prior to the incident. Thirdly, the actions of the Australian garrison in resisting the attack averted greater loss of life, and that firing ceased as soon as control was assured. Finally, many of the dead had died by suicide or by the hand of other prisoners, and that many of the wounded had suffered self-inflicted wounds. The incident lasted 10 days and resulted in the death of 231 Japanese prisoners with a further 108 wounded. Four Australian soldiers were killed in the event with two being posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest civil decoration for heroism. A Japanese war cemetery was established by agreement with the Japanese government in 1964. It now contains the remains of all Japanese POWs and civilian internees who died during their imprisonment in World War II.8/5/1944 0:008/18/1944 0:00-33.67863846148.727417108231New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=263 264Disaster EventThe Koenig Willem II was a Dutch barque en route from Hong Kong that wrecked ashore in a gale, east of Robe on Long Beach Guichen Bay, South Australia, 30 June 1857. Of the 25 crew who left the ship only nine passengers managed to reach the shore.30/06/1857 00:00:0030/06/1857 00:00:00-37.17345047139.7275543161South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=264 265Disaster EventIn December 1991, flood waters damaged homes and businesses in Ballarat due to the largest flood event recorded at the time for the Gnarr Creek system. Investment in storm water management systems occurred after this flood in an attempt to avoid a recurrence. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $24 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $90 million.12/16/1991 0:0012/18/1991 0:00-37.56203079143.856658922024000000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=265 266Disaster EventThe Macclesfield was a wooden two mast barque. The vessel was wrecked on the Clonmel Sands near the entrance to Port Albert Victoria, on 11 July 1861. Six people died. There were two survivors.11/07/1861 00:00:0011/07/1861 00:00:00-38.692745146.75348361Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=266 267Disaster EventOn 19 December 1953 in the Sydney suburb of Sydenham, an electric passenger train collided with the rear of another electric passenger train due to a signaling error. Five people were killed and 748 were injured as a result.12/19/1953 0:0012/19/1953 0:00-33.92790604151.15303047485New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=267 268Disaster EventOn 8 January 1990 the vessel N'Glucka was returning from recreational activities in Nelson Bay. The boat had 49 passengers on board before making a sharp left causing it to heel over right and sink. Five individuals lost their lives when the vessel capsized. A coroner's inquest was held to investigate the incident and concluded that there was enough prima facie evidence for a person to be charged with an indictable offence.1/8/1990 0:001/8/1990 0:00-32.71191025152.125366251New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=268 269Disaster EventThe development of a low-pressure system off the New South Wales North Coast caused torrential rain on 2 March, and dissipated into Queensland. Heavy rainfalls intensified over the following days, particularly in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie regions. River systems in the region were at capacity and tidal systems in correlation with the king tides caused further complexities with rising flood water. The following river systems were affected; Richmond, Clarence, Bellinger, Nambucca, Macleay, Hastings, Manning, Paterson and Hunter. The rising water exceeded levees in Kempsey and the traffic bridge at Kempsey peaked at a height of 6.9 m. Other significant damage included; 94 businesses with an estimated direct cost of $28,000 per business, streets closed to traffic and 100 people evacuated from the Mirriwina Gardens settlement (50 km north-west of Kempsey). The Clarence River also threatened to exceed levees causing precautionary evacuations of more than 1000 people, including 80 patients from the Grafton Hospital. The Grafton levee bank was able to hold the water within the river system, which finally peaked at 7.75 m. The effects of the flooding were wide spread and inundations and dislocation of services affected up to 28 local government areas.The Pacific Highway, the main route in many of these regions, was cut for several days. Rail services were also reported as suspended. Furthermore, reports of damage included; Yamba becoming isolated, Gladstone and Smithtown where sewerage infrastructure failed and Ulmarra (population of 470) was ordered to evacuate. Bellingen, Thora, Kaland and Darkwood, South West Rocks, Hat Head, and Crescent Head were isolated and required food and medical drops by helicopter. The response units included; State Emergency Services (SES) a contingent of 1300 volunteers from 83 units, Rural Fire Service (RFS), New South Wales Fire Brigade (NSWFB), Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA), Police, and Council workers. Additional supporting equipment used in the response included; ten heavy tankers, 12 flood boats, and 11 helicopters. Estimated costs to roads and bridges was $3 million, water and sewerage infrastructure $500,000. The enormity of the recovery resulted in the Premier establishing a Government Task Force to coordinate the operation. Brigadier Philip McNamara was appointed the regional coordinator for the recovery, and was based in Coffs Harbour. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $25 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $45 million.3/5/2001 0:003/12/2001 0:00-29.69111061152.9332886300025025000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=269 270Disaster EventThe Favourite was a wooden two mast schooner. On 9 May 1852 it left Melbourne for Sydney with 13 passengers and a crew of eight. On 17 May 1852 it was seen by two other vessels near Cape Howe sailing under reduced sail, seemingly having been damaged by the weather. It was not sighted again. Some evidence of the ship was found a year later. It is presumed all 21 lost their lives. 17/05/1852 00:00:0017/05/1852 00:00:00-37.508092149.98809821Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=270 271Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Hazel formed off the north-west Kimberley coast and reached maximum gusts of 137 km per hour at Carnarvon. The cyclone caused an estimated $20 million worth of damage including $5 million to wharf and salt loading equipment at Cape Cuvier and $2 million to the banana crop in Carnarvon. A crew of 15 on a Taiwanese fishing boat was lost in heavy seas, 230 km north of Barrow Island. Considerable damage also occurred to buildings, trees, pasture and stock feed in the northern agricultural area especially around Geraldton. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1979 damage at $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $202 million.3/1/1979 0:003/1/1979 0:00-24.88456726113.6291885515150000001Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=271 272Disaster EventThe Mount Mulligan Mine incident occurred on 19 September 1921. The mine was known as a safe mine, as there was no detectable gas in the shafts. As a result miners worked with naked flames in light instead utilising safety lamps. This caused an explosion and claimed 75 lives. A Royal Commission was established to investigate the incident. The findings discovered the explosion was caused by a fire damp (flammable gas found in coal mines) in combination with explosives which were stored, distributed and carried underground in a careless manner.9/19/1921 0:009/19/1921 0:00-16.81308556144.840316875Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=272 273Disaster EventOn 20 October 1989, an early morning collision occurred between a semi-trailer and a coach near Cowper on the Pacific Highway which resulted in the deaths of 21 people, with 22 people also sustaining injuries. The semi-trailer veered onto the wrong side of the highway and although the coach driver tried to swerve to avoid a collision it was unsuccessful. The collision tore the driver's side of the bus off, which threw passengers across the highway. The semi-trailer careered on after the collision and jack-knifed into a ditch. The coach ran into a roadside ditch, which halted only metres from a river.10/20/1989 0:0010/20/1989 0:00-29.56785774153.089508122212New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=273 274Disaster EventA fire at the factory in Shepparton resulted in the deaths of three people.1/1/1963 0:001/1/1963 0:00-36.34859085145.46182253Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=274 275Disaster EventThe Federation Drought began in 1895 and reached its peak in 1901 and 1902. During the drought river systems across the nation suffered, notably the Darling River which virtually ran dry at Bourke, New South Wales. In Victoria, the Murray River ran dry through the towns of Mildura, Balranald and Deniliquin causing river transport to suffer or cease. Except for Queensland, most parts of the nation received reasonable rain in 1900 and early 1901, however very dry weather set in again across eastern Australia during spring 1901. The drought broke mid December 1902 when heavy rain fell in Victoria. Rain extended to New South Wales and southern Queensland, while northern Queensland had reasonable falls from December onwards. Economic depression and labour strikes added to the affect of the drought. As a result of the drought sheep and cattle numbers fell from 91 to 54 million, and 11.8 to 7 million respectively. Rabbit numbers increased to plague proportions, resulting in some farmers losing everything and walking away from their properties.01/01/1895 00:00:001/1/1902 0:00-30.04769897145.9396362Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=275 276Disaster EventThe Zeewijk was a Dutch East India company ship with 38 guns. It was en route from the Netherlands to Batavia (Jakarta) with a crew of 212 and a rich cargo including guilder (gold coins) in ten chests. It struck a reef skirting Gun Island on the western side of the Pelsart group of Houtmans Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia, 9 June 1727. After leaving the Cape the ship sailed too far east and after it struck the reef a camp was set up at nearby Gun Island. The Captain launched the longboat north but it was never heard of again. Months passed and the castaways realised they would not be rescued so they built a sloop using timber from the wrecked ship. The 88 survivors left Gun Island 26 March 1728 with the chests filled with guilder, provisions and water. It reached Batavia on 30 April after losing six more crew.01/01/1753 00:00:0001/01/1753 00:00:00-28.65203094113.80462651301Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=276 277Disaster EventThetis was a wooden two mast schooner. It was en route from Sydney to Melbourne. The vessel struck Point Lonsdale reef when entering Port Phillip Heads on 26 May 1848. The ship fell onto its side and the crew and passengers held onto the schooner until low tide when they could reach the reef. Four people died and all others reached the shore.26/05/1848 00:00:0026/05/1848 00:00:00-38.29532623144.59930422041Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=277 278Disaster EventOn 21 March 1898, 15 men were at work in the borehole seam of the colliery. At approximately 9:20 am a large explosion occurred, which caused widespread damage to the mine and killed 15 miners. In the days after the explosion attempts to remove the bodies were delayed due to the threat of secondary explosions. The mine was sealed as a result and the last body was removed months later on 4 August 1898.21/03/1898 00:00:0021/03/1898 00:00:00-32.98706818151.715103115New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=278 279Disaster EventOn 7 May 1952, a crowded eight-car electric train travelling from Liverpool to Sydney was standing at the suburban station of Berala, when a second electric train travelling from Bankstown ran into the rear of the first train. As a result of this collision, there were ten deaths and another 140 people sustained injuries.5/7/1952 0:005/7/1952 0:00-33.87202072151.0318909140102New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=279 280Disaster EventOn 16 December 1998, a severe storm crossed Brisbane suburbs causing extensive hail damage. The most affected suburbs were Clayfield, Windsor, Wilston, Albion, Northgate and Wavell Heights. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $76 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $254 million.12/16/1998 0:0012/16/1998 0:00-27.41870308153.05532847600000026005501500Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=280 281Disaster EventThe Sedco Helen was an 837 tonne steel twin motor vessel; one of the world's largest oil rig tenders. On 31 January 1970 it capsized in the Joseph Bonapart Gulf, approximately 150 nautical miles to the south-west of Darwin, after a buoy fouled the propeller and ripped a hole in the stern. Five crewmen and four oil rig staff were trapped below deck and drowned; however the remaining 11 on board were rescued by the tug Rode Zee. An inquiry found negligence contributed to the incident.1/31/1970 0:001/31/1970 0:00-12.76894569129.243164191Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=281 282Disaster EventThe Victorian bushfire known as 'Black Thursday' occurred on 6 February 1851 when one of the states worst bushfires reached its peak. Fires had been burning for some weeks but Black Thursday was extremely hot and windy and the fires raged out of control from Barwon Heads, Victoria to Mount Gambier, South Australia. Approximately 12 deaths were caused by this fire, 5 million ha of Victoria burnt, or one quarter of the entire land mass of the state. Losses included one million sheep and thousands of cattle, much property loss and destruction of communities. Some of the areas the fire was located include the Wimmera, Portland, Gippsland, Plenty Ranges, Westernport, Dandenong and Heidelberg.06/02/1851 00:00:0007/02/1851 00:00:00-38.26670456146.741210910012Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=282 283Disaster EventThe Pareora was a steel singe screw steamship. It left Port Pirie with a cargo of zinc ore for Hobart on 16 September 1919 when it wrecked on 19 September 1919 at Althorpe Islands due to navigational problems. It had grazed a reef 1km west of the islands before it struck a rock known locally as the 'monument'. It was swept by heavy seas and broke up quickly. Eleven people died. A relief boat was sent from Port Adelaide while the ketch Broughton and cutter Zephyr headed a land and sea search for survivors and those missing. The Zephyr rescued seven people.9/19/1919 0:009/19/1919 0:00-34.41597366137.02148447111South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=283 284Disaster EventThe SS Admella was a steamship with an iron single screw. It wrecked on Carpenters Reef north-west of Cape Northumberland South Australia 6 August 1859. Admella had left Adelaide for Melbourne on 5 August 1859 with 84 passengers and a crew of 29. The cargo consisted of copper, flour, general merchandise and horses. Admella struck rocks and within 15 minutes it broke into three sections. Survivors clung to wreckage for days and some made it to safety. Rescue efforts were compromised by the heavy seas. In total 89 people were killed. 06/08/1859 00:00:0006/08/1859 00:00:00-38.06606674140.66671752489South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=284 285Disaster EventThe Coramba was a steel twin screw steamship. It disappeared in a gale having left Warrnambool for Melbourne on 29 November 1934 with a crew of 16. Four bodies and some identifying wreckage washed ashore in the Newhaven, Gippsland outlining the Coramba's fate. The wreck was eventually located west of Seal Rocks.11/29/1934 0:0011/30/1934 0:00-38.52533722145.1005554161Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=285 286Disaster EventOn 29 May 1991 three miners were killed when the roof of the Western Main Mine collapsed.5/29/1991 0:005/29/1991 0:00-33.46237946145.53451543New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=286 287Disaster EventOn 3 August 1920, a serious train collision occurred at Hurstville, New South Wales. The incident was caused by a combination of factors including human negligence and problems with communication and signal equipment. As a result, four people were killed and 18 sustained various injuries.8/3/1920 0:008/3/1920 0:00-33.96678162151.10140991841New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=287 288Disaster EventDrought conditions prevailed over eastern Australia from 1937 to 1945. They first emerged at serious levels in 1937, with New South Wales, Victoria, much of Queensland and parts of Western Australia affected. Isolated parts of New South Wales, notably in the central west, suffered record low rainfall. In 1938 there was further deterioration in New South Wales and Victoria and it also spread to eastern South Australia and the south-west grain growing region of Western Australia where wheat yields plummeted to their lowest level since 1914. In Victoria, a very dry six month period provided the right conditions for the disastrous Black Friday bushfires in January 1939. Heavy rain fell in late February 1939 over Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, and for the remainder of the year abundant rain fell over eastern and central Australia. However dry weather occurred again and 1940 was one of the driest years of the century over most of the southern parts of the country. Dams were empty in New South Wales and Brisbane had water restrictions. January 1941 saw rain again, but by the second half of that year was again very dry. The following 12 months were good for general rain, but again dry conditions returned in 1943, and were worse again in 1944 when a failure of the wheat crop occurred in several places. The drought continued into 1945 and large rivers such as the Hunter were virtually dry. By April 1945 most Victorian water storage facilities were empty, the Murray river ceased flow at Echuca and Adelaide faced water shortages. Financial losses were severe during this drought. The number of sheep that died in 1945 alone was 10 million in New South Wales. In 1946 Queensland financial losses caused by the drought were estimated at £25 million. Approximately four million sheep died in South Australia over 1944 and 1945. The drought finally ended in the southern states during the winter of 1945 but continued into 1946 in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. In 1947 significant rainfall ended the long drought.1/1/1939 0:006/30/1945 0:00-35.11990738147.3596191Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=288 289Disaster EventOn 9 September 1952 at approximately 3.00 am, a fire began at a hospital in Somers. It continued for two hours, aggravated by strong winds, and destroyed two of the wooden hospital huts. Five children died, whilst another 25 children and one adult were rescued by firefighters.9/9/1952 0:009/9/1952 0:00-38.92362595146.27334592651Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=289 290Disaster EventOn 17 September 1989, a fire was deliberately lit at a hotel in Kings Cross Sydney. The fire was lit just before dawn in the entry foyer. Its location prevented residents from escaping and enabled it to spread quickly up the stairwell. Six people died from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, and another 18 were hospitalised. Approximately 50 people were rescued by firefighters or escaped uninjured by jumping from windows.9/17/1989 0:009/17/1989 0:00-33.87305069151.22221371861New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=290 291Disaster EventOn 5 December 1900 at approximately 11 pm, a fire broke out underground at the Greta Colliery, Hunter Valley. There were five miners in the colliery pit at the time. After numerous rescue attempts it was decided that nothing more could be done to save the trapped men or control the fire, so the pit was sealed. Despite reports the fire was intentionally lit, an investigation into the fire concluded in 1902 that there was insufficient evidence to justify that claim. It also concluded that the fire was caused by a naked light rather than the result of a spontaneous combustion, and that the five men entombed underground died from suffocation.12/5/1900 0:0012/5/1900 0:00-32.64515686151.39022835New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=291 292Disaster EventOn 19 July 1908 the vessel Loch Lomond, under the command of Captain J Thompson, left from Newcastle en route to New Zealand. However, the vessel failed to arrive at its destination and the 19 crew members were subsequently presumed dead. Wreckage was found later in the New Hebrides (Vanuatu).7/19/1908 0:007/19/1908 0:00-17.81145668168.0029297191New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=292 293Disaster EventThe Meg Merrilies was a wooden two mast schooner. It was wrecked near Port Albert at the entrance to Corner Inlet on 24 May 1856. Four lives were lost.24/05/1856 00:00:0024/05/1856 00:00:00-38.817241146.5191654Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=293 294Disaster EventOn 8 February 1969, the pilot of Cessna P206A lodged a charter flight plan to return to Parafield from Ceduna with three passengers after being briefed that the weather conditions were marginal for flight. Just prior to setting course the pilot was advised that Adelaide Airport was then closed to VFR traffic, due to visibility but was expected to be re-opened in 20 minutes. Aircraft wreckage was found two days later after the search aircraft had been delayed for some time by very low cloud along the route. The aircraft had struck the ground in a steep nose down, right wing down attitude. All on board died.2/8/1969 0:002/8/1969 0:00-34.788396138.63407141South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=294 295Disaster EventOn Friday 4 February 1932, fires swept across the mountains and timber settlements from Warburton through to North Gippsland. The small town of Gilderoy between Yarra Junction and Powelltown was completely destroyed and there were big losses in the timber industry. One person died near Powelltown. After a long fight to save it, Noojee survived because of a change in wind direction. At Erica in North Gippsland six people died. Two firefighters were killed near Warragul. Eventually heavy rain put out most of the fires.2/4/1932 0:002/28/1932 0:00-37.0245285145.13691719Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=295 296Disaster EventA collision between a semi-trailer truck and a coach occurred on 1 November 1993, 2 km north of Wangaratta. The truck careered into the bus tearing away the top half of the drivers's side of the coach. The accident happened on a sweeping, undivided bend in the highway. The bus rolled over and slid down a 4 m embankment, coming to rest on its side in a lagoon. Nine people died and a further 35 were injured. Less than 12 months later, the much anticipated Wangaratta by-pass opened, significantly reducing the volume of traffic along this stretch of road. 11/1/1993 0:0011/1/1993 0:00-36.34154129146.3813171359Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=296 297Disaster EventA fire at a seven-storey wool store in Ultimo, Sydney, broke out on 22 August 1946. The cause of the fire was believed to be spontaneous combustion. The fire caused extensive damage, destroying the wool store and damaging neighbouring homes and streets as brick walls crashed on to streets. The damage was estimated at £500,000 in 1946 values. Fires also occurred at the wool store in 1935 and 1992.8/22/1946 0:008/22/1946 0:00-33.87269592151.206985511New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=297 298Disaster EventOn March 10 1944 a double-decker bus crash occurred in Balgowlah injuring 70 passengers.3/10/1947 0:003/10/1947 0:00-33.79503632151.2691803701New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=298 299Disaster EventOn Sunday 28 April 1996 at approximately 1 pm, a gunman used a military style weapon to kill 20 people in the Broad Arrow Cafe at the historic site of Port Arthur in Tasmania. The gunman then killed a further 15 people within Port Arthur and the nearby region and injured 21 others. He secured himself in a local guest house for a period while police attempted negotiations. The gunman then set fire to the building and later emerged, with burn injuries, to be taken into police custody. There was a significant coordinated multi-agency emergency response to the event including Tasmania Police, Tasmanian Ambulance Service, Tasmania Fire Service, State Emergency Service Tasmania and other agencies. Approximately 690 emergency service personnel were involved in the response. The Royal Hobart Hospital also activated emergency procedures to manage the large number of injured victims. Considerable recovery operations were undertaken to assist the thousands of people affected by the event. A large number of additional government and non-government agencies assisted operations. The economic impact of the massacre at Tasmania's most popular tourist attraction was substantial, including physical restoration of impacted sites, counselling and compensation, loss of tourism revenue and the flow on loss of jobs to the Tasman Peninsula.  4/28/1996 0:004/28/1996 0:00-43.13644409147.85090642135Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=299 300Disaster EventOn 16 December 1988, at approximately 1015 hours, a charter flight conducted by a Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 Marquis aircraft was en route from Leonora to Kalgoorlie via Leinster. The aircraft crashed on a property 55 km north-west of Leonora Airfield, Western Australia. The pilot and nine passengers were killed and the aircraft was destroyed by the impact and a subsequent fire.12/16/1988 0:0012/16/1988 0:00-28.482423120.984535101Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=300 301Disaster EventIn June 1950 New South Wales experienced a series of east coast lows off the coast bringing high rainfalls and flooding to some areas. Sydney recorded a monthly rainfall of 642.7 mm. The Macleay River and the Clarence River experienced severe flooding and at least five people drowned in flooded waterways. A shipwreck occurred of the navy motorship 'Fairwind' which was lost with a crew of 17 during a storm that happened between 23 - 26 June. This disaster is listed separately.6/1/1950 0:006/30/1950 0:00-30.89574432153.01277165New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=301 302Disaster EventA severe storm moved across the Blue Mountains and into Sydney, northern suburbs and beaches on the 20 November 1994 resulting in considerable damage. Trees were uprooted, houses and cars damaged, powerlines fell and some buildings collapsed. Thousands of houses lost power. Two injuries reportedly occurred during the storm and two people drowned on the Harbour in strong winds when their sailing skiff capsized. The storm moved into western Sydney and while the impact was not as severe as in the north, power was lost to thousands of homes and rail services were cut in some areas. Property damage was also reported from rural areas including Narromine and Dubbo where wind gusts were recorded up to 139 km per hour. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1994 damage at $29 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $100 million.11/20/1994 0:0011/20/1994 0:00-33.91601181150.99227912229000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=302 303Disaster EventOn 17 January 1970, Tropical Cyclone Ada moved through the Whitsunday Island group. Day Dream Island was the worst affected with its resort destroyed. On Hayman Island 75 per cent of buildings were destroyed. Heavy rains and flooding brought havoc and dislocation of traffic and communications in the coastal strip between Bowen and Mackay. Shute Harbor, Airlie Beach and Cannonvale received damage of up to 80 per cent of buildings. Fourteen people died as a result of the category four cyclone. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1970 damage at $12 million, with the 2012 estimated normalised cost of $1001 million.1/17/1970 0:001/19/1970 0:00-20.26155281148.98045351412000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=303 304Disaster EventOn 23 and 24 May 1994, Perth, Mandurah and south-western Western Australia experienced strong land gales gusting up to 140 km per hour. Several houses were completely unroofed and damage occurred to approximately 600 houses with different levels of severity. Damage to electricity infrastructure resulted in widespread loss of power to the Perth area lasting up to a week in some instances. Substantial financial losses were incurred by commerce and industry. Huge seas and tides caused significant erosion to beaches, and parts of the Perth river foreshore were inundated. Fremantle recorded 25 wind gusts of at least 129 km per hour, more than three times the number recorded for any other event since the 1960s. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1994 damage at $37 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $187 million.5/23/1994 0:005/24/1994 0:00-32.53684616115.742271420037000000Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=304 305Disaster EventLegionnaires' disease was confirmed in 125 people who visited or passed within 500 m of the Melbourne Aquarium between 11 and 27 April 2000. The outbreak was linked to the Aquarium's contaminated air conditioning cooling towers. Seventy-six per cent of the patients confirmed with Legionnaire's Disease were hospitalised and four died. At the same time six cases were reported in Cobram. Although cases in small regional towns are relatively uncommon there was no known link to the Melbourne Aquarium outbreak.4/11/2000 0:004/27/2000 0:00-37.81290436144.96331791314Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=305 306Disaster EventOn 18 August 1999, the Indian Pacific passenger train en route from Adelaide to Perth was inadvertently directed onto the loop line at Zanthus Western Australia where a freight train en route from Perth to Whyalla was standing. A low speed collision occurred resulting in 17 passengers and four train crew members being conveyed to Kalgoorlie Hospital. Overall, 31 passengers and 14 staff reported some injury or side effects.8/18/1999 0:008/18/1999 0:00-31.02984238123.568214445Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=306 307Disaster EventStarting on 31 March 1988, the Todd River catchment saw the largest rainfall recorded within 24 hours. More than 300 mm of rain fell in the western MacDonnell Ranges, with over 150 mm at stations further east, around Alice Springs. The flood reached a gauge height of 3.98 m. The Todd River burst its banks, flooding large areas of Alice Springs, and isolating it from the south as road and rail links through Heavitree Gap were cut. Further south, the Hugh and Palmer Rivers also burst their banks, cutting the Stuart Highway. The weather system which caused the flood resulted from the combined effects of two tropical depressions, one forming to the north-east of Darwin, and the second in the Indian Ocean south of Java. The combined depression then travelled in a south-easterly direction to Alice Springs. Approximately 300 people were evacuated from low-lying areas, and there was considerable damage in the Alice Springs area. There were three fatalities in the floods. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1988 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $68 million.3/31/1988 0:004/2/1988 0:00-23.49347687132.8082275300310000000Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=307 308Disaster EventIn January 2000, weather conditions over south central and south eastern Australia were very hot and dry with the maximum temperatures four to six degrees celcius above the average. Between 19-21 January the heatwave killed 22 people and hospitalized 350 in south-east Queensland. Most of the victims were elderly residents from Brisbane, many of whom lived alone and had closed themselves inside their homes.1/20/2000 0:001/24/2000 0:00-27.4644146153.034057635022Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=308 309Disaster EventOn 12 February 1977, Streatham was partially destroyed by bushfires which spread across western Victoria to the South Australian border. The post office, community hall, and shops were destroyed in the blaze. The fires killed four people and a further seven are believed to have suffered heart attacks. Other areas that felt the effects of the fire included Penshurst, Tatyoon, Creswick, Pura Pura, Cressy, Beeac, Lismore and Little River. In total, the fires burnt 116 houses, 340 buildings, 103,000 hectares, and close to 200,000 livestock. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1977 damage at $9 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $101 million.2/12/1977 0:002/12/1977 0:00-37.67930603143.058837935049000000116340198000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=309 310Disaster EventOn 14 April 1889, very heavy and widespread rains overflowed rivers leading to severe flooding in the metropolitan and mid northern areas of South Australia with towns including Quorn and Caltowie, Border Town and in the Adelaide Hills and city suburbs being affected. Some suburbs of Adelaide such as Norwood, Kensingston, and Kent Town experienced extensive damage to private property and public infrastructure. Over a two day period substantial rainfall was also reported north of Adelaide at Clare, Riverton and Glen Ewin. During these floods it was reported that five people died.14/04/1889 00:00:0019/04/1889 00:00:00-34.92729187138.62789925South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=310 311Disaster EventOn 25 August 1981 at approximately 2 am, a fire broke out at a block of apartments in Kings Cross, Sydney. As a result, nine people died.8/25/1981 0:008/25/1981 0:00-33.87319565151.2224274559New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=311 312Disaster EventThe Quetta had 291 passengers on board when it struck coral in uncharted water in the Mount Adolphus channel, Torres Strait. The shipwreck resulted in 133 deaths and 158 injuries were sustained.    28/02/1890 00:00:0028/02/1890 00:00:00-9.80650425142.48168951581331Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=312 313Disaster EventOn 4 February 1998, a thunderstorm with approximately 16,000 lightning strikes struck Sydney and regional areas. In Sydney 40,000 homes were without power. In regional areas there were several reports of severe wind gusts during the afternoon. The highest were: 106 km per hour at Dubbo, 104 km per hour at Coonamble, 83 km per hour at Orange and 76 km per hour at Armidale. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $12 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $34 million.2/4/1998 0:002/4/1998 0:00-34.8499794150.7465363112000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=313 314Disaster EventA tropical cyclone brought about widespread rainfall to multiple regions in Queensland. Areas affected included Townsville, Cairns, Cloncurry, Mt Isa, Hughenden, Winton, Longreach, Aramac, Adavale and Charleville. Widespread damage was reported in the Mackay Region, where the low parts of the town were completely submerged. Agriculture industries were affected; many farmers losing livestock, including cattle and sheep. There were six fatalities associated with the flood, three railway passengers drowned whilst being ferried across the Burdekin River and three drowning fatalities occurred in the Warrego, Pioneer and Haughton Rivers.1/20/1930 0:001/30/1930 0:00-21.14026833149.18576056Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=314 315Disaster EventThe Thredbo landslide occurred at approximately 11:40 pm on 30 July 1997. Part of a road embankment slid down the steep hillside into the ski resort village of Thredbo, in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. The landslide pushed Carinya Lodge off its foundations onto Bimbadeen Lodge at high speed burying the 19 victims under metres of rubble. Eighteen bodies were recovered and one survivor was rescued from under debris more than 60 hours later.7/30/1997 0:007/30/1997 0:00-36.50453186148.30598451182New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=315 316Disaster EventOn 15 October 1970, a section of the Westgate Bridge suddenly collapsed, and fell 50 m. The bridge had been under construction for two - three years. In total 35 workers died as a result of the collapse. A Royal Commission into the incident was set up to examine and report on the faults with the bridge; these were identified in design, construction, supervision, labour management and communication.10/15/1970 0:0010/15/1970 0:00-37.82938004144.8983459351Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=316 317Disaster EventA tropical cyclone crossed north of Cairns resulting in a major rain depression. The severe weather affected rivers from Cairns through to Toowoomba, including Tully, Herbert, Johnstone, Burdekin and the Condamine. Several towns, including Halifax, Ingham, Innisfail and Tully, were partly submerged and hundreds of people were evacuated. Damage was reported to infrastructure including railway, roads, bridges and buildings. Sixteen houses were completely destroyed and many severely damaged. There were losses to agriculture industries as a result of destroyed crops and livestock. A damage estimate reported cost at approximately £300,000. The extreme weather conditions resulted in 47 deaths.2/10/1927 0:002/17/1927 0:00-16.92245293145.77403264716Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=317 318Disaster EventOn 24 February 1951, a bus and train collided at a level crossing near Horsham, Victoria. Eleven passengers on the tourist bus died.2/24/1951 0:002/24/1951 0:00-36.50918961142.1040344111Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=318 319Disaster EventOn 24 October 1999, severe thunderstorms affected the mid-north coast and northern rivers districts of New South Wales. Twenty three yachts on Sydney Harbour were damaged and lightning cut power across parts of Sydney. Strong winds brought down trees in many Sydney suburbs. At Kendall in the mid-north coast, 5.5 cm diameter hail was reported. It dented cars, broke windows and skylights, and destroyed gardens. The Illawarra Escarpment received the heaviest rainfall in this event with Wattamolla (Tamol) recording 340 mm over two days. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1999 damage at $45 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $100 million.10/24/1999 0:0010/24/1999 0:00-31.63124084152.703872745000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=319 320Disaster EventA major grass fire near Longwood, in Northern Victoria, burnt six houses and 100,000 acres. Seven people died while undertaking a late evacuation.1/17/1965 0:001/17/1965 0:00-36.80660629145.425567676Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=320 321Disaster EventAt 3897 days it was the longest drought in arid central Australia. Australia-wide, there was a 40 percent drop in the wheat harvest, a loss of 20 million sheep, and a decrease of farm income of up to $500 million.1/1/1958 0:009/1/1968 0:00-23.70033646133.880722Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=321 322Disaster EventA Tropical Cyclone crossed Brisbane causing heavy rain and subsequent floods to south-east Queensland. There was widespread floods to the following towns; Coolangatta, Tweed Heads, Bilinga, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Bangalow, Kingscliff Lismore, Glen Innes, Grafton and Killarney. Extensive damage was reported to buildings, houses, crops farms (notably dairy) and other infrastructure including roads, railways and bridges. There were five deaths.2/14/1928 0:002/22/1928 0:00-27.47046852153.02354435Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=322 323Disaster EventA Sydney Airliner took off from Sydney to journey to Canberra when Sydney was experiencing severe storm conditions, heavy rain, strong turbulence and thunder and lightning. Shortly after take-off the plane crashed into Botany Bay after damage occurred to the starboard outer wing. All four crew and 11 passengers died in this accident.11/30/1961 0:0011/30/1961 0:00-33.91593933151.1642761151New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=323 324Disaster EventOn 10 July 1901, a Sydney department store was destroyed by fire and five people died in the blaze.7/10/1901 0:007/10/1901 0:00-33.87269592151.206985551New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=324 325Disaster EventDuring the period April - October 1890, the Darling River and tributaries in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia experienced flooding. Many regions across these states were affected by the flood waters and damage was extensive. Reports of damage included the loss of homes, businesses, crops and livestock. Transport and communications were disrupted in New South Wales and South Australia for months. The death toll for this event was recorded at nine.01/04/1890 00:00:0001/10/1890 00:00:00-34.10018539141.91853339New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=325 326Disaster EventIn April 1929 a flood occurred in the northern and eastern parts of Tasmania, which are prone to short term intense rainfall periods. Rain began in northern Tasmania on the night of 3 April and reached its peak the following day, finally clearing on 6 April. The highest rainfall totals were recorded in the high country of the north-east and there was a secondary area of very heavy rain south of the Burnie/Ulverstone area. In both cases up to 500 mm of rain fell in three days. During the floods 22 people drowned. Fourteen people died when the Briseis Dam at Derby burst its banks and a torrent of water travelled three miles through the narrow gorge of the Cascade River to the township of Derby carrying with it trees and tonnes of debris which inflicted serious damage. In the town of Avoca the river was measured at approximately 17 m above the average summer level. When the waters finally receded, the railway station had disappeared, railway tracks were undermined and twisted, bridges were destroyed and debris blocked the railway line. Many road bridges in the north and north-east were lost. On the north coast most rivers were severely flooded. At Gawler, near Ulverstone, a truck crashed through a bridge into a flooded river, drowning eight people. In the Tamar Valley flood waters caused the river to rise to record levels. Flood waters passed through Cataract Gorge and combined with floodwaters from the North Esk, inundated more than 1,000 houses in the low-lying parts of Launceston. Some 3,500 people were evacuated. The power station at Duck Reach was washed away. In southern Tasmania the rain was substantial and caused rivers to flow across roads and many livestock were lost. Southeasterly gales accompanying the rain swept the Derwent Valley on 4 April, damaging houses and felling trees. The flood damage to the environment and man-made structures, particularly in the north, took many weeks to repair.4/3/1929 0:004/6/1929 0:00-41.05178452145.90710452210025Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=326 327Disaster EventThe Toroa was a wooden two mast schooner. It left Warrnambool for Melbourne on 6 August 1858 with 12 passengers and a full cargo onboard but failed to arrive. Part of the cargo washed onto the beach at Barwon Heads suggesting she probably sank near Cape Otway 6-7 August 1858. All twelve crew and passengers were presumed lost at sea.  06/08/1858 00:00:0006/08/1858 00:00:00-38.86537552143.5144043121Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=327 328Disaster EventSevere flooding resulted in damage to the areas of Gosford, Sydney and the Illawarra region. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1975 damage at $15 million, with the 2012 estimated normalised cost of $339 million.3/9/1975 0:003/9/1975 0:00-33.85963821151.204681415000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=328 329Disaster EventNoongah was a steel motor vessel freighter that foundered in a gale off Smoky Cape New South Wales, 25 August 1969. She developed a 12 degree list to starboard which could not be rectified. The crew battled to stay afloat for several hours before abandoning ship 35 minutes before she sank. An extensive air and sea search only found five survivors. It was presumed that 21 seaman lost their lives.8/25/1969 0:008/25/1969 0:00-30.9334507153.083313211New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=329 330Disaster EventIn northern New South Wales in October 1926, severe drought and high temperatures brought about a fire that covered the area from Brisbane to Murwillumbah and Glenn Innes. There was much damage to rainforest, homes and stock. On 6 December 1926, the central west of New South Wales exploded into fire with Dubbo reaching over 40 degrees, almost cyclonic winds at Forbes, and Cowra near the point of being evacuated. Eight people died in these fires, many were injured and hundreds lost everything. It was estimated 2 million ha were burnt in these fires. The losses to the Parkes district alone were at £1,000,000. The fires lasted until 17 December after which there was widespread rain. Fires occurred in southern New South Wales as well with Wagga Wagga experiencing the worst ever reported fires in early December 1926. Fires also approached Pambula and Eden. Brisbane experienced extensive fires from October 1926 to November 1926 despite experiencing heavy rainfall.10/1/1926 0:0012/17/1926 0:00-33.15795898148.05209358Queensland;New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=330 331Disaster EventOn 21 January 1926, a severe explosion occurred at the Redhead Colliery underground mine that caused the deaths of five people.1/21/1926 0:001/21/1926 0:00-33.00772858151.71029665New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=331 332Disaster EventOn Sunday 15 March 1914, a head on train collision occurred in the southern highlands of New South Wales close to Exeter. The 'down' Temora mail train collided with a stationary goods train a couple of hundred meters from the station. The incident was caused by a combination of foggy conditions and human error. As a result 14 people were killed and 20 people sustained various injuries ranging from minor to serious. 3/16/1914 0:003/16/1914 0:00-34.61381149150.317413320141New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=332 333Disaster EventOn 17 November 1996 the areas of the Hunter Valley and New England (particularly Tamworth) experienced severe storms, hail and wind damage. Winds up to 111 km per hour felled trees, powerlines and damaged houses, buildings and blocked some roads. The worst affected areas included Tamworth, Werris Creek, Coonabarabran, Baradine, Dungog, Scone, Stroud and Forster with all experiencing varying degrees of storm damage. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1996 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $28 million.11/17/1996 0:0011/17/1996 0:00-31.09020615150.9302979110000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=333 334Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Madge crossed the coast near Cooktown and brought about widespread rain, which resulted in subsequent flooding to neighbouring towns along the coast. Coinciding Tropical Cyclone Bella also brought about extensive rain towards the concluding in stages of March. The two cyclones affected rivers across the State of Queensland including the Herbert, Tully, Nicholson, Gregory, Georgina, Burke, Hamilton, Diamantina, Thomson and Cloncurry. The Bruce Highway, connecting Cairns and Townsville, was inundated with water and was subsequently cut in six places. Furthermore there was also damage to buildings and houses along with reports of heavy crop and livestock losses. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1973 damage at $30 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $1492 million. (Note this is a combined cost with Northern Territory, and Western Australia).3/2/1973 0:003/30/1973 0:00-16.92290306145.77394130000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=334 335Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Sigma passed Townsville to the north-east. Rain totalling 510 mm fell during the cyclone resulting in enormous seas and substantial flooding. There was a total of 18 deaths.24/01/1896 00:00:0028/01/1896 00:00:00-19.25200272146.820602418Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=335 336Disaster EventIn December 1979, New South Wales experienced its driest period since 1972. A heatwave combined with dry conditions caused the outbreak of fires in the first week of December. In the following weeks a number of incidents were reported in towns such as Duffys Forest, Lucas Heights, Terry Hills, Ingleside, Belrose, Elanora Heights, Lithgow, Mount Wilson, Mount Tomah and Grose Valley. A number of these fires were deliberately lit by arsonists. The fires caused widespread damage to millions of hectares of land. Critical infrastructure including communication equipment, roads, property fencing and railways were damaged or destroyed. Twenty-eight homes were destroyed, 20 homes were damaged. Five deaths were attributed to the fires.12/1/1979 0:002/1/1980 0:00-33.6717186151.194992152028New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=336 337Disaster EventOn 24 January 1998, Tropical Cyclone Les developed over the Gulf of Carpentaria. As it made landfall it weakened into a rain depression which drifted towards Katherine. Rain began to fall on 25 January and it continued to rain steadily for three days. During this time between 400 and 500 mm fell over the Katherine, Roper and Daly River catchments. Three people drowned in the floodwaters. After two days of steady rain, on 27 January 1998, the Katherine River had risen to more than 20 m. The main street was covered by 2 m of muddy water and 2000 people abandoned their homes and possessions, many of them losing everything in the flood waters. Roads and transport links were extensively damaged and it took a number of days to repair. The Daly River was also affected by the flood as it moved downstream. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $70 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $201 million.1/25/1998 0:002/2/1998 0:00-14.46360493132.264404320003600303700000001170500Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=337 338Disaster EventOn the 30 November 1995, the areas of the Hunter Valley and mid-north coast experienced thunderstorms with high winds. The greatest damage occurred in Maitland, Metford, Thornton and Taree. More than 120 buildings were unroofed or seriously damaged. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1995 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $31 million.11/30/1995 0:0011/30/1995 0:00-32.76039124151.602737410000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=338 339Disaster EventOn 2 August 1991, 12 people died and 28 were injured when a hostel near Dungog was destroyed by fire. The fire engulfed the building just over an hour after the hostel's doors were closed for the night. Firefighters almost drained two nearby dams in their efforts to douse the flames, which took four hours to control. A Coroner Inquest was held in December 1991.8/2/1991 0:008/2/1991 0:00-32.40094376151.757675228121New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=339 340Disaster EventA severe thunderstorm caused serious damage to parts of north-west Sydney with a weather pattern suggesting it may have been caused by a tornado or at least a severe 'downburst' in the Turramurra area. The storm hit at around 4pm 21 January 1991 and moved out to sea at approximately 5.15pm. Estimated wind strengths (based on damage) of 118 km per hour to 230 km per hour brought down many trees (at least 50,000 significant trees were felled or suffered long-term damage). Falling trees damaged over 10,000 houses, with over 100 completely unroofed and 20 totally destroyed. At least 1000 other buildings incurred damage and many businesses suffered extensive damage. About 140 km of power lines and three steel towers were brought down. (Clean up and restoration of essential services took weeks). Worst hit were the northern suburbs of Turramurra, Lindfield and Wahroonga, while in the west, Seven Hills, Blacktown, Parramatta, Castle Hill, Wollondilly and Dural reported extensive storm damage. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $138.4 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $525 million.1/21/1991 0:001/21/1991 0:00-33.8731575151.2069397100113840000010000201000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=340 341Disaster EventOn 23 June, a backpackers hostel was destroyed by fire. Eighty-five people were in residence at the time of the fire and 15 died. The deceased were travelers from England, Holland, Ireland, Korea, Japan and Australia. An inquest into the fires was held by the State Coroner of Brisbane. The findings were released on 7 July 2006.6/23/2000 0:006/23/2000 0:00-25.23591995152.2787933151Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=341 342Disaster EventOver the 1995 Christmas period in Adelaide an outbreak of food poisoning occurred, predominantly affecting children. The E.coli bacteria were found in a smallgoods product. One child died and 22 others have experienced long term health problems as a result of ingesting these bacteria.11/1/1994 0:002/1/1995 0:00-34.92795181138.600174221South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=342 343Disaster EventOn 2 March 1949, a tropical cyclone made landfall over Gladstone and Rockhampton which resulted in widespread damage to 15 towns in the region. As a consequence there was severe flooding in central Queensland which left 300 people homeless and 1500 homes affected. The event resulted in four deaths. Damage at the time of the event was estimated to have cost between £300,000 and £400,000.3/2/1949 0:003/3/1949 0:00-23.66465187150.823059130041500Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=343 344Disaster EventThe Revenge was a wooden two mast ketch. It left Tuross River for Sydney on 25 March 1862 and disappeared. Four people were onboard and presumed lost.25/03/1862 00:00:0025/03/1862 00:00:00-36.291054149.5043564New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=344 345Disaster EventCyclone Vance developed off the coast of Darwin between 17 and 18 March, intensifying as it tracked to the west south-west then to the south before crossing the coast near Exmouth on 22 March as a Category 5 system. Wind speeds were recorded at 267 km per hour at Learmonth and 174 km per hour at Onslow. By the 23 March at 4 am it was near the town of Mount Magnet and was moving southeast at 50 km per hour. Cyclone Vance was downgraded to Category 1 and passed to the northeast of Kalgoorlie on the 23 March 2011 at approximately 3 pm. The storm surge associated with Cyclone Vance caused severe erosion of the beachfront and marina at Exmouth and stranded three large barges on the edge of Beadon Creek at Onslow. The storm surge at Exmouth was measured at 3.5 m which resulted in a storm tide of 4.9 m. Severe structural damage occurred to approximately 10 per cent of buildings in Exmouth; many more experienced less obvious damage due to the intrusion of rainwater. Other damage was recorded in the far west of Pilbara, including damage in the town of Cue. Water and power supplies throughout the Gascoyne and Goldfields were disrupted and many homesteads sustained wind or flooding damage. The main rail and road links to the eastern states were cut. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1999 damage at $35 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost at $108 million.3/18/1999 0:003/24/1999 0:00-12.46484184130.83761635000000200112Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=345 346Disaster EventFrom 18 - 24 April 1928 serious floods occurred between the coastal areas of Gympie and Tweed Heads; they were said to be the highest on record, isolating several towns. High stock losses and crop devastation were reported. Brisbane was inundated in low lying areas with damage to infrastructure such as bridges and roads. One person drowned in Graceville. Inland rivers flooded such as the Bulloo and Maranoa and Bungil Creek at Roma measured flood levels considered to be a record. In the Hervey Bay and Rockhampton area, severe flooding occurred in the Lower Fitzroy and Dawson rivers and streams in the Dawson Valley. A house was washed away at Walmul in the Dee River area and seven people drowned. Damage to property and infrastructure was extensive. In Rockhampton houses were evacuated where the peak of the in the Fitzroy River was 8 m or 25 feet. Many areas in the city were flooded,rescues by boat were a common occurrence. Rail traffic and mail trains were delayed due to destruction. The State Coal Mine at Baralaba collapsed.4/18/1928 0:004/24/1928 0:00-23.71833229150.3719339New South Wales;Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=346 347Disaster EventA number of fires caused significant damage to areas in and around the Sydney region. The fires destroyed approximately 60,000 ha of land including a pine forest. On 9 January, three firefighters died when their tanker was overrun by fire at an incident near Grays Point.1/1/1983 0:001/31/1983 0:00-34.05809784151.08145143New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=347 348Disaster EventThe Cumberland was a wooden ship. It was en route from Sydney to India on 5 November 1829 when it rounded Cape Leeuwin and ran onto a sand bank near Cape Hamelin, Western Australia and was abandoned and broke up. The crew evacuated onto boats and all but three landed safely.05/03/1830 00:00:0005/03/1830 00:00:00-34.28303528114.9890931Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=348 349Disaster EventIn November 1835 (exact date unknown), Isabella was on a voyage from Manning River to Sydney with cargo onboard, when she capsized off the entrance to the River. Three people died.01/11/1835 00:00:0001/11/1835 00:00:00-31.90437508152.682495131New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=349 350Disaster EventIn the lead up to Black Friday, 13 January 1939, drought conditions prevailed and there were widespread water shortages. By the beginning of the week of Black Friday, fires were burning in Dromana, Arthurs Seat, Frankston, Dandenong Ranges, Cockatoo, Noojee, Moe, Yallourn, Bairnsdale, Harrietville, Mt Bogong, Orbost, Woodend and Mt Macedon. The whole of Victoria was covered in smoke, it is estimated that 75 per cent of the state was affected to some extent. Despite the number of fires burning and the harsh conditions, more fires were lit by bushmen and graziers attempting to protect themselves from the fires, only to have them lose control and spread. The first deaths occurred on 8 January when two people died in the Toolangi State Forest. By 10 January, almost all the forests in the Great Dividing Range were on fire. There was a large outbreak around the town of Erica, north-east of Moe, and at Powelltown between Yarra Junction and Noojee. On Black Friday itself, the temperature reached 44.7ºC in Melbourne, and 47.2ºC in Mildura and the humidity level was low. Narbethong, Noojee, Woods Point, Nayook West and Hill End were completely destroyed by the fires on this day. The south-east of South Australia, southern New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania all experienced fires in January 1939. Overall, 36 people died in Victoria on Black Friday alone and the total number of deaths were 71. Fires destroyed more than 700 homes, 69 sawmills, many businesses, farms and other buildings; approximately 1300 buildings were lost. There was a Royal Commission for the Black Friday bushfires which played a significant role in increasing bushfire awareness and prevention throughout Australia.1/13/1939 0:001/20/1939 0:00-37.56360245145.463775671100069Australian Capital Territory;New South Wales;Victoria;South Australia;Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=350 351Disaster EventThree people died in bushfires in Victoria, which started in February near Seymour, and burnt until mid-March in Gippsland and coastal areas of Victoria. The fires burnt approximately 300,000 hectares of forest and 15,000 hectares of grassland. Over 60 buildings and 4000 livestock were destroyed.2/15/1965 0:003/13/1965 0:00-37.0245285145.13691713604000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=351 352Disaster EventOn 7 March 1955, between Mackay and Cape Capricorn, a lugger (boat) sank when it was caught in a cyclone with winds that reached 145 km per hour. The crew of eight drowned. Several buildings were unroofed at Yeppoon and major floods occurred at Flinders Burdekin and Fitzroy Rivers.3/7/1955 0:003/7/1955 0:00-21.13790703149.184982381Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=352 353Disaster EventThe Columbine was a wooden two mast schooner. It was en route from Liverpool to Geelong with a general cargo and four passengers and six crew members. It was wrecked off Ocean Grove on 1 April 1854. Four lives were lost.01/04/1854 00:00:0001/04/1854 00:00:00-38.282391144.5240314Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=353 354Disaster EventOn 17 January 2001, north-eastern New South Wales experienced a severe thunderstorm, with the worst impact occurring in the town of Casino. Heavy rain caused local flash flooding. Approximately 59 mm of rain was recorded including 31 mm in just ten minutes. Hailstones up to 7 cm were reported in some areas. Gale force winds in some instances exceeding 110 km per hour inflicted damage to 800 homes and 300 motor vehicles. Power lines fell, cutting power to the town. It is estimated that 30,000 properties lost power in the region as a result of the storm. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $35 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $65 million.1/17/2001 0:001/17/2001 0:00-28.86076164153.045898435000000800300New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=354 355Disaster EventAt 10.59 am on 14 October 1968, the small town of Meckering about 130 km east of Perth was destroyed by an earthquake that measured 6.9 on the Richter scale. The earthquake was felt throughout the southern half of the State and caused damage in the surrounding townships, particularly York and Northam, and in the Perth Metropolitan area. Prior to the earthquake the Meckering township consisted of 51 occupied dwellings; 12 private business premises and 15 buildings devoted to Government, public or sporting uses. Buildings which survived the earthquake and were still usable were reduced to 16 houses and three business premises. Approximately 20 people were injured. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1968 damage at $1.5 million, with the 2012 estimated normalised cost of $57 million.10/14/1968 0:0010/14/1968 0:00-31.62678337117.007484420150000050Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=355 356Disaster EventOn 31 May 2000, Piper Chieftain, VH-MZK, was on a regular public transport service from Adelaide to Whyalla, South Australia. One pilot and seven passengers were on board. The aircraft departed early evening and the pilot was cleared to track direct to Whyalla at 6,000 ft. The entire flight was conducted in darkness. The aircraft reached 6,000 ft and proceeded apparently normally at that altitude on the direct track to Whyalla. At approximately 1900 hours the pilot transmitted a MAYDAY report indicating both engines of the aircraft had failed, that there were eight persons on board and that he was going to have to ditch the aircraft, but was trying to reach Whyalla. About three minutes later, the pilot reported his position off the coast from Whyalla. The crew of another aircraft heard an emergency locater transmitter (ELT) signal for 10-20 seconds, several minutes later then there was no more contact. The aircraft was located several days later on the sea-bed. Of the eight on board there were no survivors.5/31/2000 0:005/31/2000 0:00-34.23224258136.980285681South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=356 358Disaster EventBetween 6-8 November 1994, strong land gales up to 145 km per hour lashed Victoria, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. One person was killed and another 50 injured. Boats and buildings were damaged and more than 550,000 homes lost power. Huge dust clouds stretched for over thousands of kilometres. The insurance cost of this event is unknown.11/6/1994 0:0011/8/1994 0:00-37.8119545144.9635773100501Australian Capital Territory;New South Wales;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=358 359Disaster EventThe steamer Gothenburg, en route from Darwin to the east coast, sank off north Queensland during a cyclone. The ship ran onto a reef and broke up rapidly. Twenty-four lives were saved. One hundred and two passengers drowned.24/02/1875 00:00:0024/02/1875 00:00:00-12.85464859141.15234381021Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=359 360Disaster EventThe tropical cyclone crossed the coast just west of Balla Balla, which is the port for the copper mines of the Whim Creek district. Damage from the cyclone extended more than 200 km along the coastline. The large iron ship, The Crown of England, was wrecked on Depuch Island. The vessel Concordia was also driven ashore nearby and several lighter vessels and pearling luggers were sunk or wrecked. At least 15 people lost their lives. The steamer Koombana left Port Hedland on route to Broome with 138 passengers and 20 crew members on board. The Koombana was following the SS Bullarra up the coast. Both vessels sailed into the cyclone. The Bullarra was badly damaged but was able to reach port. The Koombana disappeared in the cyclone claiming all 158 people on board. On 3 April a search vessel found wreckage, including a lifeboat and a state room door approximately 25 nautical miles north of Bedout Island.3/20/1912 0:003/22/1912 0:00-20.6311779117.7265778173Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=360 361Disaster EventFlooding in the wake of an ex-tropical cyclonic depression resulted in heavy damage in the Dalby township and surrounding area. Heavy rainfall over the Myall creek catchment created serious flooding for the town of Dalby, the highest recorded at a height of 4.5 m. Approximately 2000 homes were inundated with water and there was considerable damage to the grain growing districts. One death was recorded. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1981 damage at $20 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $205 million.2/1/1981 0:002/1/1981 0:00-27.17769051151.263534551200000002000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=361 362Disaster EventOn 10 March 1918, Innisfail was hit by a cyclone. Damage was recorded in Cairns, Babinda, and on the Atherton Tableland. Coastal areas were affected by a storm surge at Mission Beach measuring 3.6 m, which swept hundreds of metres inland. Of the 3500 residents in Innisfail, only 12 houses remained intact, all other homes were blown flat or unroofed by high winds. Thirty seven people died in Innisfail. There were unconfirmed reports of additional 40 - 60 deaths in surrounding areas.3/10/1918 0:003/10/1918 0:00-17.52427864146.032287637Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=362 363Disaster EventOn 25 November 1978, an Iroquois A2-770 helicopter took off from Yadnapinna destined for the base camp at El Alamein near Port Augusta in South Australia. On board were five military personnel. During the flight, the aircraft maintained a steady altitude of approximately 2200 ft, overflying the camp about 30 minutes later and gradually descending to 1700 ft. At 12.35 am, the helicopter radioed its intention to commence descent. The aircraft, 2 km from camp, struck a ridgeline at 791 ft. The helicopter exploded on impact. The A2-770 disintegrated spreading wreckage over a distance of 200 m and all onboard were killed.11/25/1978 0:0011/25/1978 0:00-32.54420853137.679290851South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=363 364Disaster EventThe Sea was a wooden three mast ship and was en route from Melbourne to Callao, Peru. When it attempted to pass through Port Phillip Heads on an ebb tide it missed stays and went ashore at Point Nepean on 30 May 1853. Twenty-four people died.30/05/1853 00:00:0030/05/1853 00:00:00-38.30933762144.6295166241Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=364 365Disaster EventHeavy rainfall on the Central Coast from 16 to 20 February produced catastrophic flooding in multiple regions. The damage was centred near the Mackay region with the short coastal streams between Mackay and Bowen reporting record floods. At Finch Hatton, 865 mm of rain was reported in 24 hours while at Giru 1 m of water flowed through the town. Record floods in the O'Connell River washed away both the Elaroo and Bloomsbury bridges. In northern parts of the Thomson River catchment, severe flooding was reported in the Torrens and Cornishcreeks. The flood caused major damage to roads, railways and other infrastructure. The main northern railway line was washed away.2/16/1958 0:002/24/1958 0:00-33.39017487151.47811893201Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=365 366Disaster EventOn 20 July 1847 the wooden schooner Rambler left Sydney and was en route to Twofold Bay. However, the vessel did not make it to its destination and was never seen again. The five passengers and crew aboard were presumed dead.20/07/1847 00:00:0020/07/1847 00:00:00-36.00466919150.325927751New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=366 367Disaster EventThe Antares was a steel barque that was wrecked near Nullawarre, Bay of Islands, west of Peterborough Victoria on November 1914. The wreck was found one month later in shallow water and one body was found. No remains were ever found of the other 24 onboard.11/1/1914 0:0011/1/1914 0:00-38.57769394142.6578064251Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=367 368Disaster EventOn 14 August 1858 the John Nussey, a wooden two mast schooner en route to Melbourne from Port Frederick on the River Mersey Tasmania, was wrecked in high winds at the entrance to Western Port Victoria. Four people went below deck when the vessel went broadside to the rocks and the riggings came down and they all drowned. The captain and two others were able to escape.14/08/1858 00:00:0014/08/1858 00:00:00-38.50143051145.059356741Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=368 369Disaster EventOn 13 July 1972 the Piper PA3I-3K aircraft was engaged to operate a charter flight for Santos Ltd. The aircraft was owned and operated by Ansett Transport Industries (Operations) Pty. Ltd. trading as Ansett General Aviation. The aircraft was en route from Adelaide to Moomba and had seven passengers on board along with the pilot. When the aircraft was indicated to be approximately 14 miles from Adelaide the radar ceased to register the flight on the display screen. A number of witnesses in the Golden Grove area, thirteen miles north-east of Adelaide, heard the sound of an approaching aircraft but could not initially see it due to low cloud. Some witnesses saw the aircraft emerge from the base of the cloud or observed it on a descending flight path immediately before it struck the ground. The aircraft disintegrated on impact. All eight on board the flight were killed.7/13/1972 0:007/13/1972 0:00-34.79287338138.693374681South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=369 370Disaster EventOn 26 January 2001, a Cessna 310R aircraft, VH-HCP, departed Kiwirrkurra, Western Australia for Newman. The aircraft was operated by the Air Support Unit of the Western Australian Police Service and had been used to transport police officers from Newman to Kiwirrkurra earlier that day. The aircraft had arrived at Newman and was ready for landing for landing on runway 23. Witnesses stated they heard the engines begin to splutter. Soon after the aircraft fell to the ground approximately 3 km east of the runway. Investigators found that both of the aircraft's engines failed due to fuel starvation. All four people on board died. 1/26/2001 0:001/26/2001 0:00-23.41597748119.801681541Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=370 371Disaster EventIn the period 5 to 15 January 2003, 195 people received severe food poisoning following the consumption of meat rolls from a Footscray Vietnamese Restaurant. As a result nine people were admitted to hospital and one death occurred. Health authorities confirmed salmonella was present in the rolls. In February 2003, victims of the food poisoning commenced a class action against the owners of the restaurant and were compensated with damages.1/5/2003 0:001/15/2003 0:00-37.81324387144.96289061951Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=371 372Disaster EventOn 12 October 2002, two bombs exploded at Kuta in Bali. The first bomb exploded inside Paddy's Bar, a popular tourist destination. It was detonated by a suicide bomber. It is thought that the first explosion may have been intended to move people onto the street towards a second, larger device in a van outside the Sari Club. This device, also triggered by a suicide bomber, was detonated within a minute of the first explosion. Less than a minute later another device exploded, without causing casualties, near the United States Consulate in nearby Denpasar. In total, 202 people were killed, including 88 Australians and a further 209 people were injured. The Australian Federal Police and the Indonesian National Police conducted a joint criminal investigation into the bombings. Most who took part in the planning of executing of the attack have now been identified and arrested. By April 2004, 33 people had been convicted by the Indonesian courts for their involvement in the attack. Indonesian authorities have arrested several others who provided assistance to the Bali bombers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade established a crisis centre to manage the Australian Government's response to the event. The Australian Defence Force assisted operations by deploying specialist medical teams, undertaking medical evacuations (66 in total) and provided logistics support. The Royal Australian Air Force flew the injured to hospitals in Darwin and other Australian cities.10/12/2002 0:0010/12/2002 0:00-8.721879005115.1799774209202Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=372 373Disaster EventOn 13 October 2002, a steam passenger train carrying a wedding party collided with a B-double truck with a full load of flour on a railway level crossing near Benalla, Victoria. The B-double truck did not give way at the level crossing. The truck driver stated he did not see the train until he was actually crossing the rail track. The train was so close that neither he nor the train crew could do anything to avoid or mitigate the collision. The locomotive, power carriage and leading Bogie derailed. Three people died and another was injured as a result of the collision.10/13/2002 0:0010/13/2002 0:00-36.54605484145.982559213Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=373 374Disaster EventThe Alpine bushfires started on 8 January 2003, a day of Total Fire Ban. Lightning ignited 87 fires in the North-East and East Gippsland regions. Eight of these fires were unable to be contained; they joined together to form the largest fire in Victoria since the Black Friday fires in 1939. More than 40 fires were also started in New South Wales and Australia Capital Territory. The majority of the area burnt in Victoria was public land, 1.19 million hectares of parks and forests, including 60 per cent of the Alpine National Park and 81 per cent of the Mt Buffalo National Park. Fire fighting efforts were made difficult in hard to access, remote forest terrain. Approximately 90,000 hectares of private land was burnt. The fires burnt nearly 800,000 hectares in New South Wales and Australia Capital Territory, bringing the total of land affected throughout the Australian Alps to approximately 2 million hectares. The immediate effects of the fires included reduced water quality and quantity, loss of vegetation and habitats, destruction of commercial timber infrastructure, damage to recreation and tourism infrastructure assets and destruction of cultural sites and farms adjacent to public land. A Ministerial Taskforce, appointed by the Victorian Premier, announced a funding package of $70.6 million for recovery works on public land associated with natural and cultural assets and support for agricultural private landowners affected by the fires. This was the biggest bushfire recovery effort ever undertaken in Victoria at the time. The Bushfire Recovery Program for the environment and agriculture focused on four areas: 1. Asset repair or replacement in parks, forests and alpine resorts ($24.9 million) 2. Protection and restoration of water catchments and water supply ($23.9 million) 3. Restoration of ecological and cultural heritage values ($13.2 million) 4. Providing practical assistance for affected farm enterprises ($8.6 million) Assets lost or damaged included; 41 houses, 213 other structures, three bridges and 10,000 livestock. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2003 damage for Victoria and New South Wales at $12 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $24 million.1/8/2003 0:003/19/2003 0:00-36.72137451146.7861481120000004121310000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=374 375Disaster EventOn 31 January at approximately 7:14 am, a four car passenger train travelling from Sydney Central station to Port Kembla, left the tracks at high speed and over turned. The train driver suffered a heart attack whilst under control of the train. Consequently, the driver, six passengers died, and 41 other passengers sustained varying degrees of injury.1/31/2003 0:001/31/2003 0:00-34.13230515150.9936829417New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=375 376Disaster EventOn 24 August 2003, a windstorm developed from an intense low pressure system over Tasmania and was felt along the eastern states from Victoria to New South Wales. Tasmania Tasmanian police removed trees blown on to roads by the strong winds on the Murchison Highway in Roseberry on the west coast, and a tree was moved off the Tasman Highway in Buckland on the east coast . Falling trees across power lines cut electricity to the Tasman Peninsula between Sorell and Nubeena. Rain caused flooding over an extensive area of southern Tasmania and damaged the Buckland Bridge in Orford, which connects the east coast to the Midlands, to the point where it had to be closed for two days. Police received approximately 400 calls for assistance, the majority from people in the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island, the Huon Valley and the east coast. New South Wales Sydney and Illawarra districts experienced gale force winds causing considerable damage to trees, boats, aircraft, buildings and power loss to 150,000 homes. Wind gusts reached 141 km per hour at Bellambi Point, 120 km per hour at Albion Park, Manly and Kurnell, 113 km per hour at Sydney Airport and 109 km per hour at Fort Denison. A man died when a tree fell on his car in St Ives. Three people were injured by falling trees in Mosman and Bathurst and another after falling from a roof in Wollongong. Two swimmers were apparently lost when they were blown out to sea off Curl Curl. Australian Capital Territory In Canberra strong winds tore roof tiles off houses, uprooted trees and brought down power lines. Canberra Airport reported a maximum wind gust of 93 km per hour. Victoria Heavy rain and strong winds caused trees to fall damaging several houses and cutting off major roads across Melbourne and in the north-east of the state, with the State Emergency Service responding to more than 1,500 calls for help. Maximum wind gusts recorded on 24 August included 90 km per hour at Gelantipy, 91 km per hour at Cape Nelson, 93 km per hour at Mt Buller, 94 km per hour at Aireys Inlet, Cape Otway, Cerberus, Combienbar, Fawkner Beacon and Lookout Hill, 98 km per hour at Dunns Hill, Frankston and Mt Gellibrand. Wind damage occurred around Melbourne and in southern Victoria. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2003 damage at $25 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $39 million.8/24/2003 0:008/24/2003 0:00-37.8119545144.96357734125000000Australian Capital Territory;New South Wales;Victoria;Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=376 377Disaster EventFrom 24 to 26 January 2004, a ridge of high pressure extended south of Tasmania over to New Zealand. This placed Brisbane in a hot humid north to north westerly air stream for the week. These conditions produced a succession of severe thunderstorms causing widespread damage in south-east Queensland, particularly in Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Towns affected included Currumbin, Coolangatta, Fortitude Valley, Woolloongabba, Oxley, Coorparoo, Warrick, Ipswich, Bundamba, Bellbowrie, Calliope, Jimboomba, Beaudesert, Gatton, Nanango, Archerfield, Toowoomba, Kawana Waters, Caloundra, Morerton Bay, Maryborough and Rockhampton. The Amberley Royal Australian Air Force base recorded a wind gust of 111 km per hour and a sustained wind of 100 km per hour for a 10 minute period. Severe wind combined with large hailstorms caused widespread damage and houses were affected by fallen trees and debris. Furthermore, there was damage to infrastructure and 121,000 houses in the Brisbane area lost power. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2004 damage at $28.5 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $54 million.1/24/2004 0:001/31/2004 0:00-28.13527489153.4865573128500000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=377 378Disaster EventOn 10 January 2005 a fire started near the town of Wangary in the Lower Eyre Peninsula and broke its containment lines the following day. As the next day progressed, South Australia faced two significant fires, Mount Osmond in the Adelaide Hills and the Lower Eyre Peninsula (outside Port Lincoln). A major incident was declared in the afternoon; heat from the fire was 1000 °C with speeds up to 100 km per hour. The fire became known as Black Tuesday and it was not contained until the next day and finally extinguished 20 January 2005. This was the worst fire in South Australia since the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires. Nine people died in these fires and more than 110 people were injured. Approximately 82,000 ha were burnt. The worst affected areas were Wangary, North Shields, Wanilla, Pooindie, Louth Bay, White Flat, Koppio, Greenpatch and Warunda. Essential services were destroyed; there was loss of electricity, telecommunications, and water supply. In terms of personal property, 79 houses were destroyed, 26 homes extensively damaged, 139 vehicles destroyed, 324 sheds destroyed or damaged and 6300 km of fencing damaged. Livestock death totalled 46,500 which were mainly sheep. One aircraft was destroyed worth in the vicinity of $100,000. The recovery process was immediately put into effect. This included a Bushfire Recovery Centre being set up at Port Lincoln High School and a State Recovery Committee meeting for the first time on the 12 January. Personal Hardship and Distress grants were provided and a hot line for Centrelink was established. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $27.7 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $41 million.1/10/2005 0:001/12/2005 0:00-34.71579361135.85710141109277000002679324113946500South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=378 379Disaster EventAt the beginning of February 2005 a low pressure system brought severe storms to eastern Australia. The weather system resulted in record rainfalls to south-east Australia and abnormally low temperatures through much of the eastern half of the country. New South Wales On 2 February, many areas of New South Wales and suburban Sydney experienced hail and heavy rain. Some examples are: Kellyville, hail 5 cm, Blacktown, hail 4 cm, Kings Langley, hail 3 cm, Quakers Hill, hail 3 cm, Greystanes, heavy rain and hail 4 cm, Potts Hill, hail 2-3 cm, Castle Hill, hail 4-5 cm, Greenacre, hail 4-5 cm, St Ives, heavy rain and hail 2 cm, Wahroona, heavy rain and hail 3 cm, Gosford, hail 4 cm and Terrigal hail 4-5 cm. Flash flooding was seen in Bexley (metropolitan Sydney) and in North Ryde. A thunderstorm and possible tornado caused severe local wind damage, bringing down trees and power lines, resulting in power outages to thousands of homes. The strongest wind gusts during the storm were felt at Bathurst with 93 km per hour, Scone 93 km per hour, Kurnell 94 km per hour and Newcastle 91 km per hour. The unseasonal cold weather brought snow to some areas of New South Wales where approximately 10-15 cm snow fell in the Snowy Mountains and temperatures reached as low as minus 5°C. On the Brindabella Ranges near Canberra and on the Southern Tablelands, several centimetres of snow settled on the ground. Record low maximum and minimum temperatures occurred over this period, especially in the southern areas of the state. Victoria Substantial rainfall was reported in many areas of Victoria with 24 hour rainfall totals exceeding 150 mm in many places. Rainfall in the Melbourne metropolitan area exceeded 100 mm with an all time 24 hour record for Melbourne set at 120.2 mm (the previous record was 108 mm). The highest wind gusts were recorded at Wilson's Promontory with gusts of up to 148 km per hour. In the Melbourne area wind gusts to 104 km per hour were recorded at Fawkner and Beacon. Extensive damage to buildings was reported and over 7000 requests for assistance were received by the SES and other emergency services over the following days. Tasmania During this storm, Tasmania experienced widespread damage particularly from wind gusts. The strong south easterly winds caused damage from Devonport to Bridport, Scottsdale and Winnaleah in the north-east, Binalong Bay on the East Coast, and to Flinders Island in Bass Strait. Port Sorell (near Devonport) reported many homes to be badly damaged in part due to falling trees. Approximately 25 yachts in the Tamar River broke their moorings, with 14 reportedly destroyed, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars damage. The Bass Strait ferry Spirit of Tasmania l was forced to return to Melbourne after sustaining damage in seas estimated at 20 m. The Spirit of Tasmania II was delayed on its voyage from Devonport to Melbourne, while the Spirit of Tasmania III broke its moorings in Devonport and was also slightly damaged. Fruit crops sustained up to 50 per cent loss; particularly apple and pear growers. Damage was also sustained to poppy and grain crops. Strong winds battered Tasmania during this storm, some examples are; Mount Wellington 104 km per hour, Mount Read 93 km per hour, Eddystone Point 117 km per hour, Flinders Island Airport 100 km per hour, Launceston Airport 94 km per hour and Cape Bruny on Bruny Island 91 km per hour. On 3 February substantial rainfall accompanied the storm and flooding occurred in several areas on the east coast, some suburbs of Hobart and in the south-east. The Browns River at Kingston broke its banks causing local flooding with several minor landslides also reported in the area. South Australia Gale force winds of up to 67 km per hour occurred at several locations in South Australia during this storm event. These occurred in Marree and briefly at Hindmarsh Island. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage for the combined states at $216.7 million, with the estimated 2011 normalised cost of $304 million.2/1/2005 0:002/3/2005 0:00-33.71191788150.95773322167000001314Australian Capital Territory;New South Wales;Victoria;South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=379 380Disaster EventA mystery chemical leak at Melbourne Airport resulted in 57 airline staff, security staff and passengers being treated by paramedics for nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dehydration and respiratory problems. Forty seven of the victims required hospital treatment. Air testing initially was undertaken by airport engineers for breathability, by Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting for flammability and in subsequent hours by Metropolitan Fire Brigade scientists for foreign materials or other agents. None of the testing produced abnormal results and consequently the cause of the illness was not established. The event forced the closure of the Airport's South Terminal for more than eight hours.2/21/2005 0:002/21/2005 0:00-37.6680603144.8480377200047Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=380 381Disaster EventOn 2 April 2005, a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sea King helicopter from HMAS Kanimbla crashed on the Indonesian island of Nias when approaching the village of Amandraya, at approximately 7:30 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time). The aircrew and seven members of the Australian Defence Force Joint Medical Element were undertaking an operation to provide humanitarian relief and medical treatment to the victims of the earthquake of 28 March 2005 off the west coast of Sumatra. Of the 11 military personnel on board, nine were killed in the accident. Two injured personnel underwent treatment on board the Kanimbla. A report into the crash found the main reason for the accident was that a nut and split pin in the helicopter's flight controls were incorrectly fitted. It also found that the squadron responsible for the helicopter's maintenance routinely took shortcuts. The Department of Defence advises it implemented all 256 recommendations from the report, including aviation maintenance regulations and a major review of airworthiness.4/2/2005 0:004/2/2005 0:000.74430298897.7110290529Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=381 382Disaster EventOn 15 November 2011, a train collided with an abandoned car causing a partial train derailment at Ballan, west of Melbourne. The Ballarat bound train, carrying 67 passengers, slammed into the car at Bostock Creek, approximately three km west of Ballan. The front carriage derailed instantly proceeding along a bridge and detaching before rolling and plunging down an embankment. A second carriage was left precariously clinging to the railway line, grounded by the third carriage which stayed on the rails. The car was destroyed. The accident prompted a large emergency services response to rescue approximately 43 injured people, including the driver who was trapped in the overturned carriage. Two men were charged over the incident.11/15/2003 0:0011/15/2003 0:00-37.60375977144.211868343Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=382 383Disaster EventAn explosion occurred at one of three gas plants operated by Esso at Longford. The fires caused by the explosion burned for two days, and many Victorian's were left without gas for 19 days. The rupture led to the release of vapours and liquid. The last fires were extinguished at 5.30 pm on 27 September. It is estimated that 1.4 million households and 89,000 businesses were affected, costing approximately $1.3 billion. Two Esso employees were killed by the explosion and eight sustained serious injury. On 12 October 1998, the Victorian Government announced a Royal Commission into the incident.9/25/1998 0:0010/14/1998 0:00-38.15885544147.0897675821300000000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=383 384Disaster EventA severe storm crossed the western suburbs of Sydney late in the afternoon of 16 February 2002 causing considerable damage. It moved in a north north-easterly direction at a speed of about 30 km per hour with very heavy rain and strong wind gusts. The strongest wind gust reported was 96 km per hour at Bankstown Airport. The SES received approximately 8000 requests for assistance. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2002 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $19 million.2/16/2002 0:002/16/2002 0:00-33.71273804151.296844510000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=384 385Disaster EventOn the morning of Sunday 26 December 2004, a massive earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale struck Indonesia off the west coast of northern Sumatra. The epicentre was 30 km under the seabed and approximately 250 km south to south-west of Banda Aceh. In the nine hours following the enormous earthquake, 14 aftershocks with magnitudes between 5.7 and 7.3 occurred along the arc from Sumatra towards Nicobar and the Andaman Islands. Over a hundred aftershocks were recorded. The quakes triggered powerful tsunamis towering 10 m in height that moved through the Indian Ocean region at over 500 km per hour. The tsunami waves caused widespread death and injuries, displaced thousands, destroyed towns, homes, livelihoods, infrastructure, and wrecked coastal areas. The worst affected countries were India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Thailand and Somalia. Bangladesh, Kenya and Australia also absorbed some of the effect of the tsunami. Financial losses in the Maldives represented approximately 45 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), while Indonesia suffered $4.5 billion in economic losses, representing the entire GDP of the Aceh Province. The overall financial impact on the Indonesian economy lowered the projected growth by approximately 0.2 per cent in 2005. Geoscience Australia stated the earthquake was the result of plate collision at the boundary of two tectonic plates, creating a large fault or offset on the ocean floor. The displacement of the ocean floor which generated the sea wave or tsunami, which spread from the epicentre across the Indian Ocean, was the largest recorded in 40 years. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent estimated the loss of life: Dead 273,636 (220,153 in Indonesia alone) Missing 7,253 (estimated) Displaced 1,590,707 (estimated) Homeless 507,496 (estimated) Twenty six Australians lost their lives. The Australian Government committed more than $1 billion to the relief efforts. The Australian community also rallied together to raise approximately $235 million to help tsunami victims.12/26/2004 0:0012/26/2004 0:000.61522299188.85742188273636Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=385 386Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin in the early hours of 25 December 1974, and was rated a Category 4 Tropical Cyclone. Before the failure of instruments, the wind gauges registered speeds of 217 km per hour. The cyclone caused massive building and infrastructure damage to all power, water, sanitation and communications as well as huge commercial and industrial losses. Over 80 per cent of all buildings were destroyed or seriously damaged. The cyclone resulted in the death of 71 people, which included 22 who were lost at sea. Tropical Cyclone Tracy caused the largest ever evacuation and reconstruction operations in peacetime Australia. A total of 35,362 people (of the approx 47,000 population) were evacuated; 25,628 by air (15,950 in civilian aircraft and 9,678 in military aircraft) and the remaining 9,734 by road, to southern cities for many months. By 1978, it was estimated that Darwin had regained the population level it had in December 1974. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1974 damage at $200 million, with the 2012 estimated normalised cost of $4090 million.12/25/1974 0:0012/25/1974 0:00-12.46484184130.83761635362410006507120000000020050002025Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=386 387Disaster EventOn 12 November 2004, a fire destroyed a major paper and party supply factory, and damaged two neighbouring buildings in Melbourne. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade were called at approximately 1.08 am and 147 firefighters were required to put the fire out. No injuries or deaths occurred. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) estimated the loss at $20 million. The business was reported to supply approximately 10 per cent of Australia's paper products, resulting in a large impact on the industry.11/12/2004 0:0011/12/2004 0:00-37.81154633144.96270752000000012Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=387 388Disaster EventOn 17 September 2004 a school bus carrying 40 students from Lyndhurst Secondary College crashed into the back of a truck that was attempting to avoid a broken down car in the right hand lane of the Burnley Tunnel. Ten ambulances took 21 school children to hospital with neck injuries. The remaining students were able to leave the scene and entered the emergency evacuation tunnel to the Burnley Street exit.9/17/2004 0:009/17/2004 0:00-37.826192144.99704421Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=388 389Disaster EventOn 5 August 2004 three people were killed when their car was struck by a V/Line express train and crushed against a railway stanchion on a level crossing at Furlong Road, St Albans. Emergency crews were attending an earlier minor crash nearby when the collision occurred. Witnesses said the earlier accident had caused traffic to bank up at the crossing.8/5/2004 0:008/5/2004 0:00-37.76031113144.81170653Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=389 390Disaster EventOn 3 March 2004 at approximately 12.30 pm, a bus carrying 64 school students and teachers was travelling on the south bound lanes in Woodpark. On approaching the crest of the hill, approximately 600 m before the intersection, the brakes failed on the bus which resulted in the driver attempting to manoeuvre the bus in between the stationary vehicles in the two turning lanes. The bus collided with a stationary vehicle, and caused further damage to another four vehicles before finally impacting with the rear of a truck. Consequently, 60 people sustained injuries and 32 people were transported for further treatment at nearby hospitals. A total of eight vehicles were damaged, and the bus rendered inoperable.4/3/2004 0:004/3/2004 0:00-33.84752655150.94773866081New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=390 391Disaster EventIn March 2004, tropical cyclones Grace, Monty, Nicky, Fay, Oscar and Evan affected several regions of Australia. Wide spread flooding occurred in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Severe thunderstorms with high rainfall totals, flash flooding and hail were reported in most states over the course of the month. Damage to property, infrastructure and power supplies occurred. A tropical low developed on 2 March and moved south-west bringing strong to gale force winds, large seas and heavy rain to south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. Rainfall totals in several east coast locations was more than 200 mm in 24 hours. There were three fatalities associated with this event: one person drowned in Queensland and two people drowned in New South Wales. In Western Australia, Cyclone Monty weakened as it neared the northern coast but brought with it widespread rainfall over the Pilbara causing significant flooding. In the Northern Territory, heavy rainfall associated with ex-tropical cyclone Evan affected the Arnhem, Darwin-Daly, Katherine and northern Victoria river districts, resulting in flooding in many catchments throughout the Top End. Residents were evacuated from flooded homes and businesses on the outskirts of Katherine on 4 March.3/3/2004 0:003/31/2004 0:00-28.80579758153.27687073Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=391 392Disaster EventOn 2 May 2002 four people, including the driver, were killed and several others were seriously injured when a small minibus ran off the road and struck a tree on the Riverina Highway at approximately 5.45 pm. The bus was on the normal return leg of its daily Albury - Corowa commuter run. 5/2/2002 0:005/2/2002 0:00-36.067972146.8535614New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=392 393Disaster EventOn 11 September 2001, members of a terrorist organization hijacked four planes and commenced a coordinated attack on the United States of America. American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Centre, between floors 93 and 99, at approximately 8.46 am. There were 81 passengers on board, including five hijackers, and all died instantly. Hundreds of people in the tower were also killed and many more remained trapped as stairwells became impassable. At approximately 9:03 am, United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Centre, between floors 77 and 85. The 65 passengers, including five hijackers, were killed, as well as many people inside the tower. American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon at approximately 9.37 am, killing all 64 passengers on board, including five hijackers, and the 125 workers inside the building. The fourth flight, United Airlines Flight 93, was hijacked by four people but failed to reach its target of the Capitol or the White House in Washington DC. This was due to the actions of the 44 passengers on board who planned a revolt against the hijackers and attempted to retake the plane. The plane crashed into a field 129 km south-east of Pittsburgh, Pennyslvania, approximately 20 minutes by air away from the intended destination. At approximately 9.59 am the South Tower of the World Trade Centre collapsed, followed by the North Tower at 10.28 am. In total, the attacks caused the deaths of 2,819 people from 115 different nations. Only 289 bodies were found. There were 11 Australians amongst the dead. The attack and crash sites represented the largest crime scenes in the history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The cleanup cost approximately $600 million.9/11/2001 0:009/11/2001 0:0040.72436523-74.003906252819Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=393 394Disaster EventOn 24 November 1999, 65 miners in the North Parkes mine were undertaking maintenance. At approximately 2.50 pm, an ore body above the cave collapsed into a void causing an air blast, which travelled through the mine and damaged level one of the mine. The results of the blast were fatal, resulting in the deaths of four workers. Workers in the other levels of the mine felt the effects of the blast, but were not injured. The coroner Mr John Bailey released a report on 18 March 2003.11/24/1999 0:0011/24/1999 0:00-33.1243248148.17604064New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=394 395Disaster EventOn 27 July 1999, 21 people between the ages of 18 and 31 were killed by a flash flood in Saxten Bach Gorge in Interlaken, Switzerland. Forty-four travellers and eight guides were canyoning as part of an organised tour when storms caused flash flooding of a mountain stream within the gorge. Reportedly, there was a natural made log jam or dam at the top of the ravine that gave in due to storm waters, causing a tidal wave approximately 10 - 15 ft tall that overwhelmed the canyoners. Among the 21 dead were 14 Australians, two Swiss, two New Zealanders, two South Africans and one Briton.7/27/1999 0:007/28/1999 0:0046.686717997.86741304421Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=395 396Disaster EventOn 24 July 1999, the Air Fiji Bandeirante aircraft was on a domestic flight from Suva to Nadi when it struck a mountain ridge approximately 70 km north-west of the capital. The two crew members and all 15 passengers including six Australians were killed in the accident.7/24/1999 0:007/24/1999 0:00-18.0250988178.1364441171Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=396 397Disaster EventOn 17 June 1999, a twin engine turbo prop Bandierante aircraft operated by Papua New Guinea domestic carrier Airlink, crashed in mountainous terrain 12 km east of Goroka in the Eastern Highlands Province. All 17 people on board died, four of these Australian. The aircraft was en route to Goroka from Nadzab in Morobe province when it crashed at 8.52 am.6/17/1999 0:006/17/1999 0:00-6.048510075145.378173817Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=397 398Disaster EventOn 16 May 2005, a strong cold front caused widespread damage to Perth suburbs and parts of the south-west of the state. Several tornadoes occurred on the edge of the front causing serious damage to buildings and houses in the Bicton and Bunbury areas. The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) described it as the worst storm in ten years. The SES received over 800 calls for assistance. Five schools were damaged and at Bicton Primary School the music room was ripped from its foundation. In Bunbury the tornado caused substantial damage to buildings and residences. Heavy rain caused extensive flooding and traffic chaos with roads closed, including a main highway. Some parts of the south-west recorded up to 80 mm of rain in 24 hours. In excess of 100,000 customers were left without power and the city was littered with downed power poles and live wires. Power was cut along the storm's path in areas such as Bicton, Fremantle, Canningvale, Kwinana and Armadale. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $53.2 million, with the 2011 normalised cost at $108 million.5/16/2005 0:005/16/2005 0:00-32.0274353115.782249553200000Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=398 399Disaster EventA hailstorm brought about by unusual weather conditions created widespread flooding and significant damage to the city of Brisbane. The cause of the extreme weather was a vast difference between the ground temperature and a below freezing stratosphere temperature, combined with damp air situated on the coast. Hail was reported as being 15 cm deep across roads in some areas. There was significant damage to buildings and cars. Over 200 lightning strikes were recorded and as a result Brisbane Airport was required to close for an hour until the storm subsided. Approximately 6500 properties lost power and the SES responded to 160 calls, caused by flooding waters, fallen power lines and trees. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $17.6 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $28 million.5/19/2005 0:005/19/2005 0:00-27.47093391153.023498517600000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=399 400Disaster EventOn 5 September 2005 at approximately 2.10 pm, a mini bus carrying 24 tourists lost control when the brakes overheated. The bus was descending a steep and winding section of the Jamberoo Mountain Road in the Illawarra Region of New South Wales. The mini bus impacted with guard railing and scraped along it for approximately 20 m before falling onto its left side. The minibus then travelled a further 20 m before hitting and crushing the second section of guard rail. It subsequently descended over the guard rail and rolled onto its roof, coming to a stop against a small tree. The response units included; in excess of 20 paramedics, 14 ambulances and five rescue helicopters. As a result of the accident, two passengers were killed at the scene and 15 people were injured, requiring hospitalisation. The following day, an additional person died from their injuries.9/5/2005 0:009/5/2005 0:00-34.63250351150.6929474143New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=400 401Disaster EventOn 7 July 2005, at approximately 8.50 am there were three almost simultaneous explosions in central London in the underground railway system. The first occurred in a Circle Line tunnel between Liverpool Street and Aldgate stations, the second on the Circle Line just outside Edgware Road and the third in a Piccadilly Line tunnel between King's Cross and Russell Square. At 9.47 am, there was a fourth explosion on the upper deck of a number 30 bus in Tavistock Square. The London Ambulance Service, supported by St John Ambulance, the Red Cross, and surrounding ambulance services treated more than 400 patients, some of whom had sustained horrific injuries and arranged admissions to London Hospitals. The Emergency Services were hindered in their rescue efforts due to communication limitations in the underground tunnels. In total, 52 members of the public and four suicide bombers died in the attacks and more than 700 people were injured. Incorporated in the totals was one Australian who died and eleven injured. The Coroner's Report into the London bombings made recommendations under two sections; 'preventability' and 'emergency response'.7/7/2005 0:007/7/2005 0:0051.514369960.07564900170056Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=401 402Disaster EventOn 12 October 2005, a severe thunderstorm caused a hailstorm in the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. In some regions of Queensland hailstones of up to 7 cm in diameter were reported. The major suburbs and towns affected include Helensvale, Oxenford, Coomera, Mt Nathan, Gaven, Pacific Pines, Arundel, Coombabah, Toowoomba, Gatton, Laidley and Esk. State Emergency Service crews responded to more than 724 calls for help as the hailstorm damage spread to houses, buildings and cars. Approximately 2000 motor vehicles and 500 homes were damaged. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $61 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $89 million.10/12/2005 0:0010/12/2005 0:00-27.92241287153.3378754610000005002000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=402 403Disaster EventIn the evening of 1 October 2005, at approximately 1930 hours (Bali time) three suicide bombers attacked separate locations in Kuta and Jimbaran Bay in Bali in quick succession. One explosion occurred in a restaurant at Kuta Square and two other explosions occurred at restaurants in Jimbaran Bay. The explosions killed 26 people, including Indonesian nationals and overseas tourists, (four Australians) and injured approximately 130 others; 19 were Australian. The 17 hospitalised Australians were all evacuated from Bali by two RAAF military aircraft and four other specialised emergency flights. Australia provided significant resources to assist with recovery efforts.  An Australian emergency response team arrived in Bali on 2 October and included consular, medical, counselling, emergency management and bomb-blast specialist personnel from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Federal Police, Defence, CentreLink and Emergency Management Australia. The Federal Police sent a large contingent including Disaster Victim Identification experts, bomb experts and investigators. The Minister for Foreign Affairs announced that the Australian Government provided medical equipment and support totalling $1 million to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of blast victims and their communities in Bali. A Portable Image Intensifier form Princess Alexandra Hospital in South Brisbane was flown to Bali to assist to locate shrapnel and metal particles in blast victims.10/1/2005 0:0010/1/2005 0:00-8.717467308115.177230813026Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=403 404Disaster EventOn 16 October 2005, a complex low pressure system moved through the Central Wheatbelt and the Great Southern. Severe thunderstorms associated with the system caused hail damage to crops in the Lake Grace area from approximately 2.30 to 4.30 pm. More than 200 farms were affected. The area covered was 150 km from north to south and 50 km west to east. In most places the hailstorm lasted for approximately one hour and hail measured between 1 cm and 3 cm in diameter. In some places the hail was up to 25 cm deep. Over 5000 hectares of crops were destroyed and another 5500 hectares had at least 30 to 40 per cent damage. Estimates put the cost of the damage at over $10 million.10/16/2005 0:0010/16/2005 0:00-33.10052109118.466621410000000Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=404 405Disaster EventDuring the period 30 November until 2 December, fires caused widespread damage in the Blue Mountains vicinity. The worst affected areas were Leura and Wentworth Falls, with other damage recorded at Megalong Valley, Lithgow and Jenolan Caves. As a result of the fires, 158 buildings were destroyed and four people died. The damage was estimated at approximately £1,000,000.11/30/1957 0:0012/4/1957 0:00-33.71252823150.33152774158New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=405 406Disaster EventOn 2 July 1949, 18 people were killed when a DC3 aircraft crashed and burst into flames 15 seconds after it had taken off from Perth’s Guildford Airport, en route for Darwin. The plane took off in driving rain early in the morning. It is believed one engine cut out and the plane hit the ground with terrific force approximately one mile north of the runway. There was an explosion as hundreds of gallons of high octane petrol burst into flames. 7/2/1949 0:007/2/1949 0:00-31.93187714115.9596176181Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=406 407Disaster EventOn 6 December 1999 an explosion took place at Rutherford's Caines margarine factory. The explosion was attributed to stored cotton seed which caught fire and created a fireball in the silo. Three individuals were critically injured in the incident and subsequently died. A firefighter also sustained injuries from the incident.12/6/1999 0:0012/6/1999 0:00-32.71494293151.527038613New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=407 408Disaster EventOn 13 July 1873 the Rip, a pilot schooner of approximately 92 tonnes, was overwhelmed in enormous seas when proceeding outbound through the notorious entrance to Port Phillip Heads. Witnesses saw the Rip disappear for several seconds and emerge with all masts and rigging gone. Four men died and the remaining crew were injured. The vessel was not lost and later repaired.  13/07/1873 00:00:0013/07/1873 00:00:00-38.33303833144.613037141Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=408 409Disaster EventA Tropical Cyclone crossed north of Cooktown on 19 January 1907.The damage caused by the cyclone included three churches, two schools, four halls, three hotels, several shops and many homes. A total of nine deaths were recorded.1/19/1907 0:001/19/1907 0:00-15.46823978145.254364912Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=409 410Disaster EventOn 31 July 1972 at 2.47 am, an explosion occurred in the No. 5 shaft at the Box Flat Colliery. Seventeen men were killed instantly and 17 were injured. The explosion was caused by a spontaneous heating of fallen coal that developed into a fire approximately 300 m underground. Efforts to contain or extinguish the fire failed and coal dust caused explosions that propagated the fire through the mine; killing 14 men underground and three at the surface. Included in the death toll were nine officials and employees of the mine and eight men from the mine's rescue station.7/31/1972 0:007/31/1972 0:00-27.57159042152.7621461717Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=410 411Disaster EventThree people died in Townsville from heat stress as the city experienced record high temperatures of up to 45 degrees celcius.1/6/1994 0:001/10/1994 0:00-19.25743103146.81785583Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=411 412Disaster EventIn the evening of 13 August 1998, a tourist bus and a semi trailer collided on the Hume Highway near Mullengandra, a small town approximately 30 km north-east of Albury. The bus and the truck collided on a single lane section of highway, tearing out of the front right hand corner of the bus and leaving a large opening almost the full length of the bus. The semi trailer veered off the road and ended up in a ditch. The truck driver died at the scene. The bus contained 25 passengers, the majority of whom were a Chinese Government Delegation from Hebei province. Following the accident, several passengers were trapped in the wreckage of the bus, but were rescued by SES and Fire Service personnel from Holbrook and Albury. All 25 injured passengers were taken to Albury Base Hospital for treatment.8/13/1998 0:008/13/1998 0:00-35.890163147.169418251New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=412 413Disaster EventOn 9 November 1872 the Providence, a wooden paddle steamer, exploded in the Darling River. The vessel had been stranded in low water for 12 months and when the river rose the crew attempted to raise steam. The boiler exploded killing five people. There was one survivor. The Providence was completely destroyed.09/11/1872 00:00:0009/11/1872 00:00:00-34.08792496141.915206951Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=413 414Disaster EventOn 27 December, a cyclone passed through the Whitsunday Passage. The cyclone brought about heavy rainfall to Clermont, Sapphire and Peak Downs. Rivers including the Mackenzie, Comet, Nogoa and Barcoo were all subject to flooding. There was widespread damage, destruction to property and loss of stock. The lower part of Clermont was submerged, which resulted in Clermont being rebuilt on higher ground. As a result of the flood, 61 people drowned.12/27/1916 0:0012/27/1916 0:00-22.81669426147.648010361Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=414 415Disaster EventOn 21 January 1977 severe thunderstorms spread over New South Wales, affecting mainly the Sydney regions of Bankstown and Richmond. Winds reached 124 km per hour and there was one fatality. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1977 damage at $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $244 million.1/21/1977 0:001/21/1977 0:00-33.80190277150.9441681115000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=415 416Disaster EventThe Hunter Valley floods occurred as a result of heavy rainfall; over 250 mm between Nevertire and Dunedoo. Damage was widespread across the Hunter Valley and 24 deaths were recorded. Over 40,000 people were evacuated from over 40 towns. In the Hunter Valley, around Singleton and Maitland, 15,000 residents were evacuated, 5,200 homes were flooded and 58 homes were destroyed or washed away. The Castlereagh River reached a record height. At Gilgrandra, one third of the buildings were damaged and a hole torn in the main street was later found to contain two large semi-trailers. The Namoi and Gwydir Valleys were devastated. Narrabri was completely isolated. Water up to 3 m deep covered some streets and approximately 1000 homes sustained water damage.2/22/1955 0:002/28/1955 0:00-31.82798195147.7187347400001500024520058New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=416 417Disaster EventOn 21 October 1854, the wooden 2 mast schooner Canmore was sheltering from a severe storm at Nobby's Head. Persistent heavy seas caused the ship to break apart resulting in the deaths of seven people. There were two survivors.21/10/1854 00:00:0021/10/1854 00:00:00-32.92145538151.807617227New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=417 418Disaster EventOn 24 August 1857 the Lady Bird, a clipper bow steamship, was sailing in calm conditions when it collided with SS Champion on the Melbourne side of Cape Otway, slicing 17 ft into the Champion and sinking it. A total of 32 passengers drowned. The Lady Bird returned to Geelong in a damaged state.24/08/1857 00:00:0024/08/1857 00:00:00-38.86056137143.54393013211Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=418 419Disaster EventThe vessel Just Cruisin left Mooloolaba on 6 July. The vessel failed to make a scheduled stop at Moreton Island due to huge swells along the east coast. The wreck of the vessel was found at the mouth of Moreton Bay, resulting in four passenger deaths.  7/6/2001 0:007/6/2001 0:00-27.19967842153.251724241Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=419 420Disaster EventFiji was a three masted iron barque. It was inward bound from Hamburg to Melbourne with a crew of 20 and a cargo including 200 cases of dynamite. When it was nearing Cape Otway on 6 September 1891, it struck rocks and wrecked at Moonlight Head some 300 yards from shore. Twelve lives were lost.06/01/1891 00:00:0006/01/1891 00:00:00-38.87767029143.5267639121Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=420 421Disaster EventLate on 6 January 1897 a cyclone built up in the city of Port Darwin, striking in the early hours of 7 January. Its peak was recorded at approximately 3.30 - 4.30am. Rainfall in Darwin during the passage of this cyclone was recorded at 292 mm. The cyclone was the largest recorded before Cyclone Tracy; it uplifted rooves, uprooted trees and telephone poles, and blew apart houses, destroying almost all of the buildings in Port Darwin by approximately 7.30 am. Eighteen pearling luggers, the government steam launch and three sampans were wrecked. Twenty-eight people were killed by the cyclone. The Bureau of Meteorology estimated the costs to exceed £150,000, in 1897 values.06/01/1897 00:00:0007/01/1897 00:00:00-12.45970917130.81936652822Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=421 422Disaster EventThree men were killed and a further 20 injured after a series of explosions occurred on the survey ship 'Western Spruce'. The ship was taking on liquid oxgyen from a road tanker at the Port Welshpool jetty when the mixture ignited. Country Fire Authority firefighters pumped salt water onto the ship for approximately 20 hours. The moorings were cut, and the Western Spruce drifted to a sandbar near Snake Island, where the ship continued to burn out. A court of Marine Inquiry held at Melbourne decided negligence, lack of maintenance and poor supervision contributed to the disaster.3/22/1969 0:003/22/1969 0:00-38.70296097146.4672394203Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=422 423Disaster EventOn 11 May 1944, a military train was hit from behind by a goods train in Copley, 604 km north of Adelaide. Four servicemen were killed and 27 others were injured; two seriously. The 16 carriage train contained several hundred servicemen aboard had departed Terowie in South Australia's Mid North for an undisclosed northern destination. The locomotive struggled to haul the carriages and laden trucks. It made several attempts to get over Quarry Hill and eventually made it, however it had to stop shortly after due to injector trouble. The guard saw the headlights of the rear approaching train and attempted to halt the train but to no avail. Despite the driver of the goods train applying the brakes the crash occurred impacting most severely on carriages 15 and 16.5/11/1944 0:005/11/1944 0:00-30.55324364138.42498782749South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=423 424Disaster EventOn 18 November 2001, severe thunderstorms affected many parts of eastern New South Wales. Most of the impact was felt at Nelson Bay, where thunderstorms and tornadoes occurred with winds reaching up to 150 km per hour. It was reported more than 100 buildings were damaged and several boats destroyed. Significant damage also occurred in the Lower Hunter Valley and the Sydney metropolitan regions of Penrith, Richmond and Horsley Park from strong wind gusts. Approximately 2000 homes and 200 cars were damaged and three people were killed. Wisemans Ferry reported hail 3 cm in diameter. More hail similar in size occurred at Bundarra, Ben Lomond (Northern Tablelands), and in Canberra small hail fell in the northern suburbs on the afternoon on 18 November. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $30 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $99 million.11/18/2001 0:0011/21/2001 0:00-32.72064972152.14382933300000002000200New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=424 425Disaster EventOn 12 October 1912 a fire broke out at the North Lyell copper mine, causing dense smoke and chaos for the workers caught in the underground tunnels. Rescue efforts successfully saved approximately 128 miners but efforts were hindered by the mine not having an emergency warning signal or sufficient exit points. A total of 42 people lost their lives.10/12/1912 0:0010/12/1912 0:00-42.0750351145.557861342Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=425 426Disaster EventThe Shark Ace 4 was a game fishing boat. It foundered in heavy seas off Ram Head, Victoria on 12 May 1990.Three people died and one person was rescued.5/12/1990 0:005/12/1990 0:00-37.776956149.486847131Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=426 427Disaster EventIn 1984 New South Wales suffered its worst bushfire season in a decade. The season begun in early September 1984 and persisted into the following year finishing around February 1985, spanning just over five months. On Christmas Day 1984 more than 100 fires were started by lightning strikes with approximately 500,000 ha burnt. The biggest fire was in January at Cobar where around 516,000 ha was destroyed by fire. The bushfire season for 1984/1985 produced around 6000 separate incidents with a total of 3.5 million ha damaged. The bushfires created widespread damage and heavy losses to farming communities, which included losses to crops, plantations, machinery and equipment as well as 40,000 livestock. The bushfires claimed the lives of four people. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1985 damage at $25 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $179 million.9/1/1984 0:002/1/1985 0:00-31.49797058145.838195842500000040000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=427 428Disaster EventThunderstorms coupled with heavy rain occurred in the Sydney metropolitan area late 9 Apri 1998 and into the following day. Much of the reported damage was due to flash flooding. Hundreds of SES staff and volunteers worked to protect homes around the Narrabeen Lake area as water levels rose to a 15 year high. Three houses were evacuated as they were threatened by stormwater at the rear of their properties. Approximately 5,000 homes lost power after the heavy rains. One person drowned after being swept away in a swollen creek. Avalon and Belrose recorded rainfall levels in excess of 200 mm. The Bureau of Meteorology advised the event was caused by an upper level system interacting with warm, moist onshore flow lifted by a trough off the coast. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $28 million.4/9/1998 0:004/10/1998 0:00-33.91579819151.035751311000000080105New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=428 429Disaster EventOn 24 January 1991 a severe hailstorm occurred in Orbost. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $12 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $32 million.1/24/1991 0:001/24/1991 0:00-37.70148087148.456878712000000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=429 430Disaster EventOn 31 May 1878 the Loch Ard, a three mast ship, was wrecked in hazy conditions on the tip of Mutton Bird Island east of Port Campbell. The Loch Ard had departed England on 2 March 1878 and was en route to Melbourne with approximately 51 passengers and crew and valuable cargo. There were two survivors, all other people aboard died.31/05/1878 00:00:0031/05/1878 00:00:00-38.65086365143.06112672491Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=430 431Disaster EventOn 25 December 1975 at approximately 5 am, a fire spread through a five storey hotel in Kings Cross, Sydney. The fire was started when a stack of newspapers was set alight in the hotel foyer. An old fashioned staircase facilitated its spread through the entire hotel. Of the 60 guests staying at the hotel for Christmas, 15 were killed (14 from carbon monoxide poisoning and another from burns) and 22 were injured.12/25/1975 0:0012/25/1975 0:00-33.87397766151.222168221511New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=431 432Disaster EventOn 25 August 1834, the vessel Edward Lombe was en route from Hobart to Sydney when it struck severe weather conditions in the Bass Strait. As a result, 12 individuals lost their lives as heavy seas swept crew and passengers overboard. A number of people managed to survive by finding safety in the poop (enclosed space on a ship above the main deck). In total 17 passengers and crew were rescued.  25/08/1834 00:00:0025/08/1834 00:00:00-39.24076462145.8654785121New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=432 433Disaster EventFrom 16-19 January 1950, a cyclone known as TC119 moved south from the Queensland gulf to Sydney as a Category 1 cyclone causing widespread damage. Seven people died in New South Wales.1/16/1950 0:001/19/1950 0:00-17.70944595140.0207521007New South Wales;Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=433 434Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Nancy crossed the coast in New South Wales at Byron Bay and moved seawards which brought about high winds and heavy rainfall. Subsequent flooding affected rivers in the central and south-east regions including the Albert, Nerang, Logan, Paroo, Bulloo and Mary. Reports stipulated some areas received 530 mm of rain over a 24 hour period. There was extensive damage to infrastructure including houses, roads and buildings as a result of cyclonic winds that recorded wind gusts of up to 60 - 70 knots. Cyclone Nancy dumped a large amount of rain on Newcastle, which increased the rate of movement in some structures and prompted the discovery of leaks in buildings that had previously been considered structurally sound after the December 1989 earthquake. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1990 damage caused by Cyclone Nancy at $33 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $197 million.2/3/1990 0:002/7/1990 0:00-28.63967705153.6139374633000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=434 435Disaster EventOn 15 January 1995, at approximately 3.30 am, a fire was deliberately lit in a three-storey block of apartments in Sydney's south-west suburb of Liverpool. The fire raced up the stairwell to the top floor, killing seven adults and one child. It was believed the carpet at the bottom of the stairwell was soaked with an accelerant.1/15/1995 0:001/15/1995 0:00-33.91928864150.924087581New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=435 436Disaster EventOn 31 October 1894 at approximately 9:30 am, a six carriage train was en route from Strathfield, terminating at Redfern. A warning was received because the 9:30 am train bound for Goulburn had ignored a stop signal. As a result, the trains collided causing significant damage and loss of life. There were 14 people killed and 27 people sustained injury.  31/10/1894 00:00:0031/10/1894 00:00:00-33.89168549151.19856262714New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=436 437Disaster EventOn 30 March 1874 the Ecliptic, a wooden three mast barque, was en route from Newcastle to Melbourne with a cargo of coal. It struck Clonmel Island near Port Albert, Gippsland. Eight lives were lost when they fell from rigging. There was one survivor who came ashore on a plank.30/03/1874 00:00:0030/03/1874 00:00:00-38.70828629146.7038727181Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=437 438Disaster EventAt approximately 5 pm on 26 June 2000 at Bronzewing mine, 400 km from Kalgoorlie, three men died when a structural wall collapsed and engulfed them in material backfill. The deaths were caused by inhalation of the backfill, which consisted of 18,000 cubic meters of sand-slurry, sludge, mud and rock. Eight workmen escaped. An inquiry by the State Coroner found that the backfill material had been inadequately drained and had subsequently caused the wall to break.6/26/2000 0:006/26/2000 0:00-30.74659348121.474884831Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=438 439Disaster EventCommencing in April 2000 much of the south-west and west of Western Australia experienced severe rainfall deficiencies. For the eight months from April to November, a large region of western Western Australia from Exmouth in the north to Albany and Esperance in the south, experienced generally severe rainfall deficits. The drought impacted severely on water inflow into dams and grain production. The Federal Government in its 2002/2003 budget papers promised to provide up to $24 million over 3 years ($10.3 million in 2002-03) as exceptional circumstances assistance in nominated shires within the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia. Also the Government agreed to provide funding over three years (including $26.5 million in 2002-03) as Exceptional Circumstances assistance in nominated shires within the eastern Darling Downs area of south east Queensland and two areas in the south-eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia. The Government declared Exceptional Circumstances in the Western Australian areas on 3 August 2001 and south-east Queensland on 22 August 2001.4/1/2000 0:008/22/2001 0:00-21.93014717114.1222Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=439 440Disaster EventHMAS Kuttabul was used as a ferry before the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in March 1932. During the war it was requisitioned by the navy to serve as accommodation for sailors in transit. On 31 May 1942, 35 sailors from multiple nations were aboard the vessel. At approximately 12:30 am on 1 June a Japanese midget submarine took aim at the destroyer, USS Chicago. Subsequently the torpedo missed its intended target, instead striking HMAS Kuttabul. Ten sailors sustained injuries, 19 Australians and two British sailors were killed.6/1/1942 0:006/1/1942 0:00-33.85811996151.230117810211New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=440 441Disaster EventOn 3 September 1986 a Cessna 402 was in service to return patients home following their medical treatment. After an apparently normal take-off, the aircraft ceased climbing at about 100 ft. The pilot advised the tower that the left engine had failed, that he was feathering the propeller and would return for landing. The aircraft was seen to deviate to the left, towards power lines. The aircraft then suddenly veered to the left and subsequently struck the ground. A fire broke out on impact and destroyed much of the wreckage. The investigation of the accident was hampered by the extent of the fire damage. Six people died in the accident, five being patients. 9/3/1986 0:009/3/1986 0:00-37.71876144144.8970496Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=441 442Disaster EventVictoria experienced more than 500 fires in January 2006, including the Deep Lead fire that started near Stawell on New Year's Eve. The fires with greatest impact on the Victorian community occurred in the Stawell (Deep Lead), Yea, Moondarra, Grampians, Kinglake and Anakie areas. In total four people died and six people were injured as a result of these fires. Considerable losses and damage occurred to property and infrastructure: Houses destroyed: 57 (19 of these principle residences) Buildings: 359 farm buildings lost, including 39 woolsheds and 22 hay sheds Stock losses: 64,265 (63,243 sheep, 557 cattle and 464 other stock) and over 2,500 commercial beehives Area burnt: 160,000 hectares (60 percent public land, 40 per cent private land - Approximately 98,000 hectares of national parks and conservation areas and 6,000 hectares of State forest were burnt) Fencing: 364 km of crown land boundary fencing and 2281 km of other boundary or internal fencing   The firefighting effort included more than 5000 volunteers, paid personnel and a significant assistance from interstate. Also on the ground were government, volunteer, business and community organisations who were involved in fire suppression activities and facilitating recovery efforts. The following municipalities were impacted by the significant fire events: Ararat Rural City Baw Baw Shire Glenelg Shire Golden Plains Shire Greater Geelong City Horsham Rural City Latrobe City Moorabool Shire Moyne Shire Murrindindi Shire Northern Grampians Shire South Gippsland Shire Southern Grampians Shire   Many local governments established emergency relief centres to provide initial support and shelter to evacuees during the fires and the establishment of recovery centres in Anakie, Ararat and Stawell after the fires had passed. Community meetings were undertaken, both pre-fire and during the fire events, which assisted in keeping the community informed. The immediate effects of the fires were displacement of residents and tourists, closure of schools and loss of power supply to many properties. Longer term impacts include reduction in tourism trade; at least 112 staff were laid off as a result of the fires. The Wimmera Development Corporation estimated that tourism downturn resulting from the bushfire devastation will cost the Grampians regional economy up to $100 million. The damage to environment and water catchments was significant. The Grampians and Gippsland fires had the greatest impact on water quality. Water authorities commenced both short-term and long-term risk management activities. The Grampians fires also affected over 240 km of roads across the local and state road network. The most significant damage to the road network occurred on the forest road system, including 1200 km of forestry roads affected in the Grampian's National Park. The Victorian State Government provided financial assistance to people affected by the fires and to assist with restoration of infrastructure and the environment. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2006 damage at $22.4 million, with the 2011 normalised cost of $28 million.12/31/2005 0:001/31/2006 0:00-37.0141716142.717773464224000005735964265Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=442 443Disaster EventOn 10 January 2006 a tour bus crashed 46 km north of Cairo, Egypt. The bus was part of a convoy of two vehicles carrying 80 police officers, emergency service workers and their families from Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory, who were returning to Cairo after a visit to the El Alamein battle field. The bus was travelling in heavy rain and fog when it ran off the Desert Highway. In total six people died and a further 27 people were injured in the accident. The coroner who investigated the crash found that the lack of seat belts, the poor design of the roof of the bus, the absence of an electronic stability program (ESP) in the bus and driver fatigue all contributed to the accident and the number of casualties.The tour is understood to have been part of a cultural exchange organised by the Egyptian Federation of Victoria.1/10/2006 0:001/10/2006 0:0030.3124313430.54748535276Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=443 444Disaster EventIn February 1879, the Katherine and Daly rivers flooded, disrupting the Overland Telegraph and causing the deaths of six people.  01/02/1879 00:00:0001/02/1879 00:00:00-14.46360493132.26440436Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=444 445Disaster EventOn 20 February 1954, a tropical cyclone crossed over Coolangatta. While the cyclone occurred when weather patterns were unnamed, it was unofficially given the title The Great Gold Coast Cyclone. Serious structural damage to buildings occurred in Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. A 0.64 m storm surge was recorded in Moreton Bay while at Beachmere the surge was much higher. Waves at Kirra brought 3 m of water onto the highway washing cars from the road. As a result of the heavy rain, flooding which combined with the storm surge in the Nerang River caused many evacuations in the area, including people from MacIntosh Island. Severe flooding also occurred in areas of New South Wales; Cudgen, Casino, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Grafton, Maclean, Clarence, Yamba, Kyogle and Bryon Bay. The worst-hit areas were reported as Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, and Murwillumbah. The Richmond River rose approximately 1 m above the record 1949 flood level. Impacts to these areas included several thousand people displaced, crop and stock losses, residential and commercial premises damaged, and roads and other infrastructure destroyed. In Byron Bay, the outer section of the jetty was swept away taking 22 vessels with it . The storm surge moved thorough Bryon Bay and flooded parts of the town. The Bureau of Meteorology reports between 26 to 30 people died as a result of the flooding, severe winds and storm surges.2/20/1954 0:002/24/1954 0:00-28.16656685153.5381472622Queensland;New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=445 446Disaster EventOn 13 October 1998 severe thunderstorms occurred in the area of Warwick. The impact of the storm included damage to 12 homes, commercial buildings, trees uprooted, and significant crop damage. Later the same day storms occurred in the Brisbane area causing widespread damage to houses, buildings and trees being uprooted. Inner city rail services ceased operation for several hours. Brisbane Airport recorded significant wind gusts of up to 119 km per hour. Hail the size of golf balls were reported in the Brisbane and Gympie areas. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $23 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $80 million.10/13/1998 0:0010/13/1998 0:00-33.91352081150.93167112300000012Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=446 447Disaster EventThe Marie was a wooden three mast barque that wrecked near Cape Bridgewater, Victoria on approximately 19 September 1851. It was en route from Antwerp to Sydney via Adelaide carrying 11 passengers and 14 crew; none survived. A month later large amounts of wreckage and cargo were found near Portland.19/09/1851 00:00:0019/09/1851 00:00:00-38.47509384141.4517212251Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=447 448Disaster EventSevere tropical Cyclone Larry crossed the tropical north Queensland coast near Innisfail during the morning of 20 March 2006. Between Babinda and Tully, damage to infrastructure and crops was extensive, with the total estimated loss upwards of half a billion dollars. In north-west Queensland, heavy rainfall from the cyclone caused several townships to be isolated for a number of days and, as a result, food drops were required and emergency supplies had to be delivered by helicopter. The banana industry in the region was almost wiped out, losing about 200,000 tonnes of fruit, worth about $300 million, representing approximately 80 percent of Australia's banana crop. The storm also destroyed at least $15 million worth of avocados. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2006 damage at $540 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $609 million.3/20/2006 0:003/20/2006 0:00-17.51965332146.07284553054000000010000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=448 449Disaster EventOn 25 April 2006, a rock fall was reported at the Beaconsfield mine 40 km north-west of Launceston where 17 miners were working underground. Fourteen miners made it to a safety chamber and escaped unhurt. Three miners remained trapped and a large search and rescue mission was undertaken. The following day a remote-controlled heavy earth-moving loader fitted with two cameras began testing at the mine 925 m below the surface. On 27 April, the loader removed an unmanned vehicle which was blocking access to the rock fall. Later that day, the loader started removing the first of two known rock falls in the mine. The loader then began working on the second rock fall area, where the three men were last seen. The body of a miner was found. The search continued for the two other miners. Rescue crews drilled a second shaft to reach the trapped miners. On 30 April the Beaconsfield Gold Mine announced rescue crews made contact with the men and they were alive. On 9 May, the two remaining miners were rescued and lifted from the mine where they had been trapped for 14 days in a confined space.4/25/2006 0:005/9/2006 0:00-41.19312286146.819915821Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=449 450Disaster EventOn 20 November 1989 a suburban electric passenger train collided with another which was stopped at Syndal Station. An inquiry found that the collision was due to human error in that the driver had passed the previous automatic signal as permitted by prevailing regulations, but proceeded at a speed which was considered to be inappropriate for the conditions. The driver first observed the stationary train when it was only approximately 50-60 m away as his vision was impeded by foliage on the left hand side of the railway line. The estimated speed on impact was 40 km per hour. The impact pushed the stationary train forward approximately 2-3 m. As a result of the collision 75 people were injured. 11/20/1989 0:0011/20/1989 0:00-37.876291145.14907775Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=450 451Disaster EventOn 14 August 1971 at Kin Kin, a small area between Noosa and Gympie north of Brisbane, a tornado struck and killed three people and destroyed eight farmhouses and caused considerable damage to a part of the town. The storm descended on the valley 9.30pm on a Saturday night commencing with a hail storm with hail stones the size of cricket balls. 'One resident... 'looked out the window and when the lightning flashed on top of the mountain behind the house, I could see a wall as white as snow. It was about halfway down the mountain. Then the hail came - I have never seen hail so big. Suddenly there was a terrific roar. The house stated to lurch and the lights went out.' The resident and his wife managed to reach the kitchen in the downstairs portion of the house. The next thing he knew was that he was lying in a bath tub which had been blown into the yard amid sheets of roofing iron.' The Gympie Times 17 August 1971. Relief grants were immediately made available of $500 as announced by the Minister of Works and Housing.8/14/1971 0:008/14/1971 0:00-27.47023964153.02354433Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=451 452Disaster EventOn 12 February 1992, hail stones measuring up to 7.5 cm fell in western suburbs of Girraween and Toongabbie, Sydney. Approximately 3000 homes and 7000 vehicles were damaged. In addition, the State was ravaged by a series of severe storms including flash floods and hail which damaged homes and other buildings along the coast including Sydney and Newcastle. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1992 damage at $118 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $441 million.2/12/1992 0:002/13/1992 0:00-33.73226166151.1278381111800000030007000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=452 453Disaster EventA toxic fume leak at Newcastle's Harbour Park Building on 30 March 2006 resulted in 37 people taken to hospital. Three hundred workers were evacuated at approximately 12.30 pm after several people began to feel nauseous. Four units from the New South Wales fire brigades responded to the incident. It was reported that the fumes were circulated through the air-conditioning unit from the plant room. By 3.00 pm, specialist hazardous material firefighters rendered the building safe and allowed workers back into the building. Thirty five New South Wales ambulance service officers responded to the incident in 15 vehicles to assess patients and then transport them to three hospitals for treatment. Symptoms reported include eye irritation, breathing difficulties, nausea and headaches. Toxicology tests performed on some patients revealed that they had been exposed to a hydrocarbon. An investigation by Work Cover was unable to identify the source of the fumes.3/30/2006 0:003/30/2006 0:00-32.92597198151.775833137New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=453 454Disaster EventOn 10 February 1964, HMAS Melbourne sliced the destroyer HMAS Voyager in two, 19 miles south-west of Jervis Bay in New South Wales. The ships were involved in night time operations and were travelling with minimal lighting. The 20,000 ton Melbourne was travelling at 22 knots and ran straight through the destroyer in a matter of seconds causing it to quickly sink. In total 82 people were killed.Rescue operations were commenced by the Melbourne and 232 people were saved.2/10/1964 0:002/10/1964 0:00-35.40248489150.715942423282New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=454 455Disaster EventOn 20 April 1908, a train packed with holiday makers returning to Melbourne from Ballarat was struck by another train coming from Bendigo. The Ballarat train was scheduled to arrive at Sunshine at 10.03 pm but was running late. When it did arrive at the station it had to stop twice to allow passengers in the rear coaches to alight due to the length of the train. The train from Bendigo was due to arrive at Sunshine at 10.30 pm but was running late and therefore travelling at reasonable speed to try and make up time. As the train from Ballarat prepared to leave on its final leg into Melbourne it was struck from behind by the train from Bendigo hauled by two 'AA class' engines. The impact of the collision at 10.50 pm demolished the guards van and the rear four carriages. Gas from one of the trains caught fire. Darkness impeded rescue efforts with only lamp light and light from the fire available. It was not until 1.00 am that a relief train arrived with doctors, nurses and an ambulance corp. In all, 44 people were killed and 413 injured with 72 of the injuries being serious. All lives lost occurred on the Ballarat train. An extensive inquiry was held and many recommendations were made that would impact on future safety.4/20/1908 0:004/20/1908 0:00-37.78783417144.832580641344Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=455 456Disaster EventOn 29 April at approximately 11 pm, a fire began at a nursing home in Sylvania Heights, southern Sydney. There were 64 residents and three nurses present at the time of the fire. Although the fire was contained within two hours, it killed 16 people and injured 51.4/29/1981 0:004/29/1981 0:00-33.86585236151.083984451161New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=456 457Disaster EventA fire at a special accommodation House in Noble Park killed four elderly residents, with another 22 rescued.1/1/1991 0:001/1/1991 0:00-37.96565247145.1743774224Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=457 458Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Alby formed north- west of Port Hedland and was detected on 27 March 1978. The cyclone passed close to the south-west corner of Western Australia on 4 April 1978, killing five people and causing widespread but mostly minor damage to the south-west. Storm surges and large waves caused coastal inundation and erosion from Perth to Busselton, while very strong winds caused fires that burned hectares of forest and farming land. In terms of damage it is estimated that 'Alby' was the most devastating storm on record to affect the south-western areas of Western Australia. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1978 damage at $13 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $265 million.3/27/1978 0:004/4/1978 0:00-20.31162643118.575256320513000000Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=458 459Disaster EventOn 24 July 1991 a significant explosion occurred at the South Bulli coal mine resulting in the death of three miners.7/24/1991 0:007/24/1991 0:00-34.33273315150.91360473New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=459 460Disaster EventOn 14 November 1979 Port Broughton sustained damaged by a line of ferocious storms that hit south-eastern South Australia. Very strong winds and hail ruined solid brick houses, holiday shacks and caravans. Cars were pushed sideways along the road. Pine trees up to 30 m tall were uprooted. There was no loss of life during the event which was considered to be amazing. Eleven people were injured requiring hospital admission, 60 others required hospital treatment. While Port Broughton incurred the most damage, other areas were also affected by this weather event. Destruction was felt from the mid north to northern Adelaide Plains. Clare experienced severe damage; houses lost their roofs and sheds were demolished in the high winds. Likewise the northern suburbs of Adelaide saw houses unroofed and the trees blown over in areas such Salisbury North, Parafield Gardens, and Munno Para. The agriculture industry was severely impacted with crops damaged, glass houses broken, grape vines stripped, storage tanks squashed, orchards destroyed and many farmers livelihoods built up over many years were lost within ten minutes. According to the Bureau of Meteorology Regional Forecasting Centre, the thunderstorm triggered by the trough line that extended across Yorke Peninsula moved over Port Broughton and produced destructive winds. The winds at all levels through the atmosphere were very strong. A thunderstorm is classified as severe if it produces wind gusts of 90 km per hour of more. On this day gusts were much higher with reports of 135 km per hour to 160 km per hour. Isolated large hail coming from very cold air high above the earth's surface was rapidly transported to the surface by downdrafts and accompanied the thunderstorms associated with the trough immediately to the east causing damage to some of Adelaide’s northern suburbs. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1979 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 normalised cost of $92 million.11/14/1979 0:0011/14/1979 0:00-33.60050201137.93331911507110000000South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=460 461Disaster EventOn the night of 10 March 1879, the ship Bonnie Dundee was approximately 16 km south of Newcastle when it was struck by another vessel, the Barrabool. The impact occurred on the middle of the starboard side, which effectively sliced the vessel in two, taking approximately five minutes to sink. As a result five people lost their lives. 10/03/1879 00:00:0011/03/1879 00:00:00-33.01327133151.7850494511New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=461 462Disaster EventRed Tuesday occurred on 1 February 1898 when in the southern Gippsland area of Victoria 260,000 ha were burnt, 12 people were killed and 2000 buildings were destroyed. The fires affected the Cranbourne, Traralgon, Neerim South and Poowong areas.01/02/1898 00:00:0002/02/1898 00:00:00-38.19710922146.53462222500122000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=462 463Disaster EventOn 13 February 1938 'Rodney', a wooden motor vessel, was operating as a ferry on Sydney Harbour where it capsized and as a result 19 people drowned.2/13/1938 0:002/13/1938 0:00-33.8511734151.2096405191New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=463 464Disaster EventOn 13 August 1966, a fire at a Melbourne hostel killed 30 men, the majority being long time boarders at the hostel.8/13/1966 0:008/13/1966 0:00-37.81154633144.9627075301Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=464 465Disaster EventA series of three powerful earthquakes ranging from 6.3 to 6.7 in magnitude shook the region with each occurring about half an hour apart and lasting up to 45 seconds. The main infrastructure damage was the severe warping of a major natural gas pipeline as large ground ruptures occurred. The most serious effect was on the town's hospital which was structurally damaged.1/22/1988 0:001/22/1988 0:00-19.64363861134.1915588Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=465 466Disaster EventA tropical cyclone with winds estimated at 175 km per hour caused 40 deaths and widespread destruction in the Broome region. Twenty houses were destroyed and over 70 damaged. The housing damage was estimated at 20,000 pounds. There were 34 pearling boats wrecked or sunk and a further 67 blown ashore.11/19/1910 0:0011/19/1910 0:00-17.95405579122.24899294070206734Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=466 467Disaster EventThe Trial (has various spellings) was a wooden British ship. It sailed from Plymouth for Batavia (Jakarta) on 4 September 1621 on her maiden voyage. It struck rocks in the Monte Bello Islands off the northern Western Australian coast on 25 May 1622. There were 143 people on board when it called at the Cape of Good Hope and unsuccessfully attempted to engage a mate of another vessel which had been to Batavia previously as a pilot. Approximately 95 people died. It is thought it was likely to be the first European ship wrecked on the Australian coast.01/01/1753 00:00:0001/01/1753 00:00:00-20.47590828115.5075073951Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=467 468Disaster EventOn 8 May 1943, a train and a bus collided on a level crossing near Wodonga. In total 25 people died; 24 soldiers and the bus driver.5/8/1943 0:005/8/1943 0:00-36.099602146.82549525Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=468 469Disaster EventIn January 1987 the south-west region of New South Wales experienced serious bushfires. On January 16 the township of Cootamundra experienced a severe fire which burnt an area of approximately 19,000 ha. Other towns that were affected included, Deniliquin, Gundagai, Bethungra Hills, Frampton, Brawlin and Muttama.1/17/1987 0:001/20/1987 0:00-34.63893127148.0243835203New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=469 470Disaster EventOn 12 December 1882, workers in the Creswick based New Australasian No. 2 Gold Mine accidently broke through a wall separating them from an abandoned mine that was flooded. As a result, 27 men were trapped in the flooded mine for three days. Only five made it out alive and 22 died.12/12/1882 00:00:0012/12/1882 00:00:00-37.42157364143.893600522Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=470 471Disaster EventA severe storm caused hail damage in northern Brisbane, Bracken Ridge, and extensive damage to 5000 homes in Brighton. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1980 damage at $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $238 million.12/16/1980 0:0012/16/1980 0:00-27.30474854153.0626831150000005000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=471 472Disaster EventOn 29 September 1996, a hail storm approached the city of Armidale from the west-south-west measuring 2 km wide and 15 km long. Hail stones fell measuring up to 80 mm in diameter and southerly winds were recorded up to 160 km per hour at the Armidale Airport weather station. The area was declared a disaster zone. 5000 buildings and homes, and 4000 motor vehicles were damaged. State Emergency Service crews were brought in from across the state to assist. Ten people sustained serious injury. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1996 damage at $104 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $288 million.9/29/1996 0:009/29/1996 0:00-30.51434326151.66696171010400000050004000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=472 473Disaster EventOn 31 December 1968, a viscount 720C aircraft registered VH-RMQ was undertaking a regular public transport service from Perth to Port Hedland. There 26 on board including flight staff. When nearing Port Hedland, the aircraft struck the ground destroying the aircraft by its impact and subsequent fire. All on board died. 12/31/1968 0:0012/31/1968 0:00-20.37782118.633032261Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=473 474Disaster EventCyclone Leonta hit Townsville on the 9 March 1903, resulting in the grammar school and hospitals being destroyed. Ten people died as a result, with eight deaths occurring in the collapsed hospital. The damage in 1903 was estimated at approximately £250,000.3/9/1903 0:003/9/1903 0:00-19.25200272146.8206024102Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=474 475Disaster EventAs a result of a cyclone on 25 February 1915, the Afric, Harriet, Leila and Opal luggers were wrecked off the coast of the Northern Territory. The cyclone brought 250 mm of rain in eight hours at Bathurst Island. The Afric, a 12 ton lugger, foundered off Croker Island and it is unknown how many people were onboard. The Harriet was last seen near Port Essington with her crew of three. The Leila wrecked ashore on Darch Island. The Opal, a nine ton lugger, was hit by the cyclone in Dundas Strait, killing all six crew onboard.2/25/1915 0:002/25/1915 0:00-12.47206974130.83897494Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=475 476Disaster EventDuring mid November 1997 New South Wales experienced several serious bushfires that threatened many communities in and around the Sydney region. Major areas that were affected included Burragorang, Piliga, Hawkesbury, Hunter, Shoalhaven, Central Coast and Sydney's south, in particular Menai. In total twenty local government areas were affected. The bushfires caused widespread damage to the affected regions destroying around 500,000 ha. Approximately 5000 firerfighters were utilised to control the fires and sixty fixed wing aircraft were involved with various projects. The fires destroyed ten houses and four firefighters lost their lives.11/20/1997 0:0012/20/1997 0:00-30.34799194148.890152410New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=476 477Disaster EventHMS Pandora struck coral when attempting to pass through the Great Barrier Reef approximately 50 miles from the mainland, north of Raine Island. The ship was returning to England from Tahiti, onboard were 14 captured mutineers from HMS Bounty. Of the 35 deaths, four were mutineers. The 91 survivors took refuge on a small island, and found their way to Timor mid September.26/08/1791 00:00:0026/08/1791 00:00:00-11.47733307144.036254991351Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=477 478Disaster EventIn late January 1928, workers were demolishing a tunnel on the Belair railway line when 150 tons of earth and rock fell and entombed nine workmen,six of whom were killed. The accident was caused by heavy rain resulting in the embankment collapsing.1/31/1928 0:001/31/1928 0:00-34.99681473138.621536336South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=478 479Disaster EventThe British Admiral was a full rigged iron ship. It was en route from Liverpool to Melbourne. The ships condition was questionable and had undergone extensive repairs while in England. The ship experienced heavy weather on the journey causing more damage. The ship was wrecked on 23 May 1874 four miles south of Currie, King Island, Tasmania with 49 passengers and a crew of 39 on board. Only nine people survived.23/05/1874 00:00:0023/05/1874 00:00:00-39.95100403143.83151259791Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=479 480Disaster EventAt approximately 4.00 pm on 18 July 1895, Broken Hill's South Mine was announced as unsafe due to sulfide affected ground and the miners were ordered out of the mine. The ground then gave way, and the pressure of the large quantity of earth caused an air blast which threw the miners against the timbers, resulting in nine deaths and one serious injury.18/07/1895 00:00:0018/07/1895 00:00:00-31.90786934141.4599609191New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=480 481Disaster EventAs a result of Tropical Cyclone Elllie, flooding in Queensland affected the townships between Townsville and Cairns. In addition further heavy rain fell between 6 and 7 February, with Ingham receiving 236 mm, raising the floodwater level to over 12.5 metres. The monsoonal rain in North Queensland affected 62 per cent of the State. One of the heaviest falls was in Clonclurry which recorded more than 400 mm. An area of over one million square km was declared a disaster zone as flood waters continued to rise. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2009 damage at $19 million with the 2012 estimated normalised cost of $22 million. This is the combined total for resulting floods from two events: Tropical Cyclone Charlotte and Tropical Cyclone Ellie. (see separate entry for North Queensland floods 12 January 2009).1/31/2009 0:002/7/2009 0:00-18.6511116146.15461731190000003000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=481 482Disaster EventOn 7 February 2009, as many as 400 fires were recorded across Victoria. There were 78 communities affected, 173 lives lost and 2029 homes destroyed. Twelve major fires and many more minor fires burned over 450,000 hectares and affected at least 78 communities, including Marysville, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Kilmore, Yea, Murrindindi, Alexandra, Marysville, St Andrews, Reedy Creek, Mittons Bridge, Humevale, Heathcote Junction, Flowerdale, Beechworth, Dargo, Bunyip, Mudgegonga, Narbethong, Cambarville, Koornalla, Jerralang Junction, Churchill, Callignee, Yarra Glen, Whittlesea, Upper Plenty, Toolangi, Strath Creek, Strathewen, Steels Creek, Bendigo and Redesdale. Details of the recovery activities were released by the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission was established on 16 February 2009 to investigate the causes of and responses to the bushfires with the final report released and published in July 2010. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2009 damage at $1070 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $1266 million.2/7/2009 0:002/8/2009 0:00-37.56237411145.31919864141731070000000202961Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=482 483Disaster EventFrom 27 January until 8 February a heat wave affected parts of south-eastern Australia. The heatwave came in two major episodes, 28-31 January and 6-8 February. In much of central, southern and western Victoria, maximum temperatures widely reached their highest levels since at least 1939. In Melbourne the temperature was above 43 °C for three consecutive days from 28 to 30 January, reaching a peak of 45.1 °C, the second highest on record behind 45.6 °C in 1939. In southern South Australia maximum temperatures widely reached their highest levels since at least 1939. Adelaide peaked at 45.7 °C on 28 January and South Australia's highest temperature was 48.2 °C at Kyancutta. There were widespread power outages across both states. In Victoria, up to 500,000 homes and businesses were left without electricity. There were also major disruptions to train services with more than 1300 trains cancelled as rails buckled and air-conditioning failed. A Department of Human Services report from the Victorian Government found that the heatwave contributed to 374 deaths.1/27/2009 0:001/31/2009 0:00-37.81310654144.9633942374South Australia;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=483 484Disaster EventOn 20 May 2009 an east coast low formed off the south-east Queensland coast. In combination with a strong high pressure system in the southern Tasman Sea, gale to storm force east to south-east winds affected the northern New South Wales coast. Consequently, heavy rain occurred over a large part of the north-east region during the period 19-23 May, with additional heavy falls on 20-21 May. This was the third major flood to occur in the Mid North Coast this year, compounding damage previously caused during the February and April floods. Damage recorded in the region included winds of 130 km per hour at Byron Bay, closure of 240 schools, the Tweed area affected by a lightning strike disabling powerlines to the north and south of the region (12,000 homes and businesses), 16,000 people on the far north coast were without power overnight, 35,000 people isolated by floodwaters, an overall approximate 21,500 people isolated in the affected regions, and the Macleay River levee at Kempsey broke its banks inundating the township. One fatality occurred when a person attempted to cross a flooded creek in Coffs Harbor. The State Government declared the following regions as natural disaster areas: Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley local Government areas.         The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2009 damage at $48 million, with the 2011 normalised cost of $55 million.5/20/2009 0:005/23/2009 0:00-28.64416122153.612381148000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=484 486Disaster EventOn 17 July 2009, just before 8 am, two explosions were detonated approximately five minutes apart in Jakarta, the first in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and the second in the JW Marriott Hotel. Nine people were killed, including three Australians, two Dutch nationals, three Indonesians and one New Zealander. Two of the Indonesians killed were believed to be suicide bombers. A further 53 people were injured. A third bomb was found undetonated in a room on the 18th floor of the JW Marriott Hotel. No group claimed responsibility for the explosions.7/17/2009 0:007/17/2009 0:00-6.226781845106.8269806539Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=486 487Disaster EventIn April 2009, a new strain of influenza A virus called 'H1N1 2009 influenza' was identified in Mexico. Because of the speed the virus spread around the world and the fact that it was a new strain of flu, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in June 2009. This H1N1 influenza strain is referred to as both 'pandemic flu' and 'swine flu'. The first case of this new pandemic strain of flu in Australia was in May 2009. By February 2010 there were over 5000 people hospitalised and nearly 200 deaths due to pandemic flu. Reports indicate that most of those who died had underlying medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes mellitus and morbid obesity. The median age of death was 53 years, compared to the median age of death from seasonal flu from 2001 to 2006, which was 83 years. The then Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, announced in a media release that as of 1 December 2010 Australia's Pandemic Phase moved from PROTECT to ALERT which signified the end of the H1N1 influenza pandemic in Australia. The Department of Health and Ageing reported that there were 44,403 confirmed cases of swine flu in Australia since May 2009, including 6767 in 2010. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that globally there were approximately 284,500 fatalities as a result of the pandemic, with 59 per cent of the deaths occurring in south-east Asia and Africa, and 80 per cent of the victims under 65.5/9/2009 0:0012/1/2010 0:00-27.47092438153.0235901191Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=487 488Disaster EventAt approximately 5.16 pm on 30 September 2009, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck 600 km north-west of Padang in Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake brought down hospitals, schools, shopping malls, hotels, government offices, power lines and triggered landslides. The following day at 8.25 am, another unrelated quake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck 1000 km south of the original epicentre, but caused no immediate casualties or damage. There were 1117 people killed in the initial earthquake, 1214 people who sustained serious injuries and 1688 who sustained minor injuries. Approximately 135,448 homes were seriously damaged, while 78,604 sustained only minor damage. Other damage included 2163 classrooms; 51 health facilities; 1001 worship houses; 21 bridges; 178 roads; and 130 irrigation infrastructures. There was at least one permanent Australian resident who was killed by the earthquake. Australia was significantly involved in aid and recovery following this event.9/30/2009 0:009/30/2009 0:00-1.076596975100.4370117121411177860413544848521Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=488 489Disaster EventOn 29 September 2009 (Samoan time), an earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter Scale and a subsequent tsunami landed on the archipelagos of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. Approximately 144 people, including five Australians, were killed, over 300 people were injured and thousands made homeless. In Samoa, the south and south-eastern coasts of Upolu Island were the hardest hit, with 20 out of 40 villages destroyed. The Government estimated there was $150 million in damage. In Tonga, 6 m waves hit the main island of Niuatoputapu, killing nine people and causing major damage. In American Samoa, tsunami waves killed 19 people; the Government of the United States declared it a major disaster area and directed its Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate the response. Australia and New Zealand provided financial aid, supplies, logistical support and medical teams, while the United States and the European Union pledged financial assistance.9/29/2009 0:009/29/2009 0:00-14.74832344172.2381592144Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=489 490Disaster EventDuring the period 31 March - 1 April 2009, Coffs Harbour and the surrounding regions experienced heavy rainfall associated with severe storms. The highest falls were recorded at; Red Hill 445 mm, Girralong 730 mm and Wooli 129 mm. The heights of the River systems increased significantly with Coffs Creek peaking at 5.14 m, Bellinger River peaking at 8.6 m, and the Nambucca River peaking at 10.4 m. The effects of the flood were compounded by the heavy rainfall that occurred in February 2009. There was extensive damage and critical infrastructure, businesses, local industry, property, crops and landslips also occurred. There were 760 requests for help from the State Emergency Services (SES). The response and recovery was assisted by New South Wales Fire Brigades, Rural Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Police Force and local councils. Over 100 people were rescued, 800 people evacuated and were accommodated overnight in emergency centres and three schools stayed children overnight. The Minister for Emergency Services declared Coffs Harbour, Nambucca and Bellingen local government areas, a natural disaster zone. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2009 damage at $37 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $40 million.3/31/2009 0:004/2/2009 0:00-30.29631233153.115676937000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=490 491Disaster EventBetween 16 and 22 November 2008 heavy rains and subsequent flooding affected the Brisbane region and surrounding areas. A surface trough developed through inland Queensland and combined with an upper level trough system to deliver severe thunderstorms and flood rainfall across parts of south-east Queensland. The system affected multiple towns including Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Bundamba, Tallagalla, Forest Hill and Ebbw Vale. The heavy deluge produced significant rainfall over the catchment areas, which resulted in rapid river rises and consequent flooding. There was widespread damage to infrastructure including roads, railway lines and bridges as well as buildings and houses. Furthermore, many vehicles were damaged due to the rapid rise in rivers and creeks. A person died when their car was swept away by floodwaters at a crossing on Laidley Creek at Forest Hill near Gatton. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage at $309 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $355 million.11/16/2008 0:0011/22/2008 0:00-27.6130867152.7581941309000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=491 492Disaster EventAt approximately 1.30 pm on 3 June 2008, an explosion at the Apache Energy Varanus Island gas processing facility's 30 cm gas pipeline caused it to rupture and fires to start. Approximately 153 staff were evacuated from the plant. Nobody was injured, but the facilities were forced to close temporarily. The incident caused Western Australia's domestic gas supply to be cut by 30 per cent, as the Varanus Island facility is a major exporter of gas to the mainland. The largest impact was felt by major industry partners of Apache Energy such as BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Burrup Fertilisers, but the disruption in gas supplies also affected small businesses. A survey by the Western Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that of 300 businesses surveyed, almost half said they had been affected by the energy shortage. The West Australian Government laid claims against Apache Northwest Pty Ltd and its co-licencees, Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd and Tap (Harriet) Pty Ltd for 'failing to maintain a pipeline in good condition and repair'. However after more than two years of litigation, the state government made a public statement that they were discontinuing the prosecution due to legal technicalities. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage at $230 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $279 million.6/3/2008 0:006/3/2008 0:00-20.60193634115.57617192300000001Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=492 493Disaster EventVictoria On 2 April 2008 very strong northerly winds developed across central and western Victoria. Maximum wind gusts in Victoria were recorded at Mt Gellibrand at 131 km per hour, Dunns Hill in the Dandenongs at 115 km per hour and Melbourne Airport 107 km per hour. Areas of raised dust were reported from the western half of the state, with visibility down to 200 m in some places. The heaviest rainfall totals were from Falls Creek (Rocky Valley Dam) with 50 mm and Wilsons Promontory with 26 mm. The storm sent vegetation and debris flying, caused major disruption to Melbourne traffic and public transport systems and extensive damage to the electricity distribution network. Lanes were closed on the Westgate bridge where wind gusts were close to 120 km per hour, many traffic lights were out and conditions on the roads were chaotic. Several boats were washed ashore at Mornington, where large waves were observed. There were reports that two people died as a result of this storm in Victoria. More than 9,500 requests for assistance were received by emergency service agencies across the State between 2-7 April 2008 as a result of this event. The Department of Human Services (DHS) coordinated Red Cross and local government to support the community with recovery, distributing 864 personal hardship grants totalling $240,115. South Australia An intense low on 2 April produced widespread wind gusts in excess of 90 km per hour across the Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island and the South East districts of South Australia. Tasmania A deep low pressure system passed close to Tasmania bringing destructive winds from late 2nd April until early the next day with individual wind gusts well over 100 km per hour recorded at several locations. More than 40,000 premises lost power with at least 200 fallen power lines caused road closures. Many buildings lost their roofs. The pressure at Maatsuyker Island dipped to 966.2 hPa on 3 April the second lowest mean sea level pressure ever reported in Tasmania. Strong and gusty winds on 2 April caused a dust storm in the southern Midlands. The estimated damage bill was around two million dollars. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage at $65 million across the three states, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $79 million.4/2/2008 0:004/2/2008 0:00-38.22995377143.8007355265000000Tasmania;South Australia;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=493 494Disaster EventDuring the period 10 - 18 February 2008, a number of severe weather fronts permeated numerous areas including the western, far north, central and south-east regions of Queensland. Towns seriously affected by the weather included Townsville, Bundaberg, Mackay, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Cooktown, Cairns and Ingham. Heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding resulted in widespread damage across the state of Queensland. There was notable damage to state infrastructure as well as other damage relating to buildings and houses. At Mackay 4000 houses were inundated from flood water. Agriculture and horticulture based industries also sustained heavy losses. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage at $410 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $507 million.2/14/2008 0:002/17/2008 0:00-21.14058876149.18566894100000004000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=494 495Disaster EventDuring the period 10 – 18 February 2008, a number of severe weather fronts permeated numerous areas including the western, far north, central and south-east regions of Queensland. Towns seriously affected by the weather included Townsville, Bundaberg, Mackay, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Cooktown, Cairns and Ingham. Heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding resulted in widespread damage across the state of Queensland. There was notable damage to state infrastructure as well as other damage relating to buildings and houses. At Mackay 4000 houses were inundated from flood water. Agriculture and horticulture based industries also sustained heavy losses. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage at $410 million, with the 2011 normalised cost of $507 million.  2/10/2008 0:002/18/2008 0:00-27.99584007152.68249514100000004000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=495 496Disaster EventRainfall in excess of 200 mm on the night of 3 January resulted in flooding on the NSW north coast, including Kyogle and near Mullumbimby. The State Emergency Service (SES) received more than 80 requests for assistance. In Kyogle, the SES evacuated 30 people from a caravan park and responded to two landslide incidents. A caravan park was evacuated in Lismore as flooding of local roads occurred. The heavy rainfall resulted in flood warnings for a number of catchments including the Tweed, Richmond, Wilsons, Bellinger, Orara and Clarence Rivers. By 6 January, there were several thousand people isolated by floodwaters. The SES worked with the Department of Community Services to evacuate an Aboriginal community of around 160 residents at Cabbage Tree Island near Woodburn, threatened by flooding waters. Supply operations were undertaken by SES volunteers via helicopter, floodboat and high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Approximately 80 air support supply tasks were completed over a five day period. The local government areas of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield and Tweed were declared natural disaster areas, eligible for assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage at $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $17 million.1/4/2008 0:001/11/2008 0:00-28.62035561153.004058815000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=496 497Disaster EventDuring January 2008 atropical low caused state-wide monsoonal rainfall that resulted in widespread flooding throughout Queensland. The Minister for Emergency Services declared 55 local Government areas impacted by the flooding eligible for assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). State Emergency Service volunteers responded to more than 1000 calls for assistance as a result of the flooding. The January floods of 2008 caused extensive damage over Queensland. Infrastructure including roads and railways were badly disrupted. Numerous houses were inundated by flood waters and a number of people were evacuated in the Emerald region. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage at $70 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $85 million. South-east Queensland On 4 January, light to moderate rain fell in this area resulting in flooding of major rivers including the Nerang Coomera Rivers, Gold Coast Creeks and the Logan/Albert Rivers with moderate to major flooding which lasted 1-3 days. Far North Queensland On 8 January, as ex-Tropical Cyclone Helen moved over Cape York Peninsula. The tropical low produced heavy rainfall causing river rises and minor flooding in the Tully River and adjacent coastal streams Western Queensland Between 11 - 20 January, a low pressure system created by Tropical Cyclone Helen brought about widespread rainfall. The rainfall resulted in fast river rises and major flooding on the Thompson / Barcoo Rivers Cooper Creek, Paroo River, Bulloo River, Warrego River, Dumaresq / Macintyre Rivers, and the Condamine / Balonne Rivers.  Central Queensland Between 10 - 20 January, heavy rainfall intensified over Central Queensland. This rainfall produced widespread flooding to numerous rivers including the Ross River, Haughton River, Don River, Pioneer River, Nogoa River, Fitzroy River, Belyando and the Burdekin River. Bogantungan, situated to the west of the city of Emerald recorded a four day rainfall total of nearly 700 mm.1/1/2008 0:001/31/2008 0:00-27.47092438153.023544370000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=497 498Disaster EventAt approximately 3 pm on 28 December 2007, a fire began on the north side of the Great Eastern Highway, 80 km west of Coolgardie. It was a hot, dry and windy day, with Southern Cross and Kalgoorlie registering maximum temperatures of 37.4 °C and 41.7 °C, creating extreme fire weather conditions. The fire spread rapidly in a northerly direction in the Boorabbin National Park. On 30 December 2007, a strong northerly wind change caused breakaways from the containment lines and the fire crossed the Great Eastern Highway from north to south. Roadblocks were established; however several escorted convoys of vehicles were permitted to travel through the fire area. A convoy of vehicles from Coolgardie arriving at the eastern side of the fire, without an escort, drove into the fire area. Several trucks were engulfed in flames, resulting in three deaths. The highway remained closed until containment lines were completed and a fall-back strategy was implemented on 9 January 2008. The final size of the fire was 39,630 ha. An inquiry into the deaths found three dominating causes - the expectations of fire behaviour in shrubland fuels at night; the procedures for managing road blocks; and the strategic assessment of the fire's potential; but concluded that there were many complex, interacting contributing factors and extenuating circumstances that lead to the incident outcomes.12/28/2007 0:001/8/2008 0:00-31.23159218120.18047333Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=498 499Disaster EventTorrential rain and gale force winds caused wide-spread damage to the regions around south-east Queensland. The heavy rainfall was a direct result of a low pressure system that persisted over the coral sea. Furthermore, the system combined with an upper low to produce the heavy deluge. Towns affected included Boonah, Brisbane City, Clifton, Cooloola, Logan, Gold Coast City, Stanthorpe and Warwick. There was widespread damage to local infrastructure including bridges, roads and railways. State Emergency Services engaged the assistance of Queensland Rail and Emergency Management Queensland to support those affected by the floods. Assistance included extra rail services and deployment of a helicopter to support the recovery effort.  The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2008 damage $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $17 million. It should be noted this cost is combined with the damage caused in New South Wales.12/27/2007 0:001/7/2008 0:00-28.80575943153.276870715000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=499 500Disaster EventOn 9 December 2007 in the north-west suburbs of Sydney a severe thunderstorm with strong winds and hail caused widespread damage from Blacktown to Wahroonga. The largest confirmed hail size was 7 cm at Blacktown and 6 cm at Wahroonga with an unconfirmed report of 11 cm hail at Cherrybrook. On the Central Coast, a thunderstorm with very heavy rain and strong winds was reported. Wind gusts reached 85 km per hour at Mangrove Mountain. At Terrigal 36 mm of rain and 30 mm at Newcastle was recorded within 30 minutes. At Mount Seaview there were thunderstorms all day with heavy rain up to 81 mm from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm. Approximately 20,000 homes lost power and there were more than 6000 calls for assistance received by the SES. Trees were uprooted and houses and motor vehicles were damaged. More than 30 people were treated for cuts and bruises from the storm. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2007 damage at $415 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $486 million.12/9/2007 0:0012/9/2007 0:00-33.91594315151.035659830415000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=500 501Disaster EventIn late November 2010, rain began falling in Queensland. By January 2011 extensive flooding had occurred to 75 per cent of the state and a disaster zone was declared. In total, 33 people lost their lives in flood and cyclone events and three people were still listed missing as of March 2012. On 25 December 2010, Cyclone Tasha crossed the northern Queensland coast and brought disaster to every river system south of the Tropic of Capricorn and as far west as Longreach and Charleville. The flooding engulfed Alpha, Jericho, Chinchilla, Dalby, Theodore, Warwick, Bundaberg, Gayndah, Munduberra, Emerald, Rockhampton, Condamine and St George. The Condamine River, the Balonne River, the Burnett River, the Comet River, the Dawson River and the Nagoa River reached flood peaks never before recorded. On 10 January 2011 a wall of water swept through Toowoomba, then travelled west, flooding Oakey, Dalby, Chinchilla and Condamine for a second time, causing flooding through the Lockyer Valley, including Murphy’s Creek, Postman’s Ridge, Helidon, Grantham, Laidley, Lowood, Fernvale and Forrest Hill. The floodwaters affected the Bremer, Lockyer and Brisbane River systems, reaching heights that engulfed Ipswich, Goodna, Gailes, Karalee and suburbs of Brisbane. During this period approximately 3572 businesses were inundated. There were 5900 people evacuated from 3600 homes. Commercial loss was approximately $4 billion across the mining, agriculture and tourism sectors. Nineteen thousand kilometres of roads were damaged. Three major ports were significantly affected. More than 28 per cent of the Queensland rail network was left twisted and displaced. An estimated 28,000 homes would need to be rebuilt while vast numbers of dwellings require extensive repairs. The judicial inquiry into Queensland's floods started on 10 February 2011, a final report was published in March 2012. The Insurance Council of Australia estimates the 2011 damage at $2.38 billion with an estimated total reserve of $3.71 billion. Further payouts will be made to claimants for progress payments for rebuilding and business interruption. The insurance costs totalled $1.33 billion for Cyclone Yasi.11/30/2010 0:001/17/2011 0:00-27.56394386151.954055859003323800000003600290003572Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=501 502Disaster EventIn early February 2011, high fire danger conditions resulted in total fire bans being declared for Perth.   Over the weekend of 5 and 6 February, two major bushfires broke out across metropolitan Perth. One fire affected the suburbs of Roleystone and Kelmscott in the south-east and the other, the suburbs of Red Hill, Herne Hill, Millendon, Baskerville and Gidgegannup in the north-east. Seventy-one homes were destroyed and an estimated 39 homes damaged by the Roleystone fire, which was started accidentally by angle-grinder sparks. Approximately 440 ha were burned at Roleystone and 1100 ha burned at Red Hill. Approximately 517 families were evacuated and at least 12 people were hospitalised. On Monday 7 February 2011, Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett declared the bushfire affected areas of Roleystone, Kelmscott and Red Hill, natural disaster zones. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the preliminary 2011 damage at $35 million.2/5/2011 0:002/7/2011 0:00-32.10860443116.069183312350000003972Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=502 503Disaster EventCyclone Yasi developed as a tropical low north-west of Fiji on 29 January 2011. On 30 January, it was named Yasi by the Fiji Meteorological Service. On 2 February, it was upgraded to a Category 5 system and made landfall near Mission Beach (138 km south of Cairns) between midnight and 1 am (AEST) early on Thursday 3 February. It weakened to a tropical low near Mount Isa around 10 pm on 3 February. In response to warnings about the expected severity of the cyclone, and possible storm surges, approximately 10,000 northern Queenslanders living in low-lying areas evacuated to more than 100 official evacuation centres. Significant numbers were accommodated in unofficial evacuation centres established by communities and church groups. Thousands of people left the area and sought refuge with family and friends. Flights out of the region were fully booked. The entire hospital population, more than 300 patients, were evacuated to other regional hospitals and Brisbane by the the Australian Defence Force, Royal Flying Doctor Service and other methods.  This was an unprecedented evacuation effort. The eye of the cyclone passed over Dunk Island and Mission Beach between Innisfail and Townsville bringing significant winds, the highest estimated at 285 km per hour. Considerable damage occurred to the towns of Tully, Cardwell, Tully Heads, Innisfail, Ingham, Mission Beach, El Arish, Silkwood and Silky Oak and localities, however, the cyclone’s worst impact missed the major centres of Townsville and Cairns. Overall, approximately 1000 people reported significant damage to their homes. Other impacts include power loss to more than 200,000 properties, cars were found metres away from where they were left and boats were piled on top of each other in some regions. Rainfall totals for the 24 hour period to 9 am Thursday 3 February were 200-300 mm in the area between Cairns and Ayr, causing some flooding. A 5 m tidal surge was observed at the storm tide gauge at Cardwell. Other sea inundation occurred between the beaches north of Cairns and Alva Beach, and there was some inundation in parts of the city of Townsville. The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences estimated the cyclone caused a $300 million hit to agriculture, particularly affecting banana and sugarcane crops. The Federal Government processed over $250 million worth of recovery grants in the first three weeks after the storm through Centrelink. Financial help was also available in the form of concessional loans for cyclone hit farmers up to $650,000. There was one recorded death. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the preliminary 2011 damage at $1412 million.2/3/2011 0:002/3/2011 0:00-17.85067558146.1099243114120000001000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=503 504Disaster EventIn the three day period between 18 April and 21 April 1990, up to 150 mm of rain fell in large areas of Central Queensland. Some isolated areas recorded up to 350 mm. Major flooding developed on the Warrengo River, Maranoa River as well as other inland river systems. On 21 April, the Warrego River peaked at 8.5 m. Over 2000 residents were evacuated primarily by military helicopters to higher ground and to the local airport. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1990 damage at $30 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $99 million. (Note the damage cost includes entry for SW Qld, NW NSW, & NE VIC Floods 21/04/1990 - 05/05/1990). 4/18/1990 0:004/21/1990 0:00-26.39740562146.2445068230060630000000500Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=504 505Disaster EventOn 4 February 2011, severe thunderstorms developed over Victoria. Tropical moisture associated with Tropical Cyclone Anthony and ex Tropical Cyclone Yasi interacted with a persistent low pressure trough extending from central Australia, through Mildura and Melbourne, to north-eastern Tasmania. Extremely high humidity and strong winds were associated with the storms which delivered record daily and multi-day rainfall totals to areas of north-east and south-east Victoria. The rain caused flash flooding in metropolitan Melbourne and prompted flood warnings for 24 rivers and creeks. On the afternoon and evening of 4 February, a damaging microburst caused damage west of Melbourne at Laverton. Wind speed strengthened from calm to 131 km per hour in six minutes causing damage to vegetation and structures within an area of approximately one square kilometre. More than 65 per cent of Victoria recorded daily rainfall totals in the 99th percentile for February in the 24 hours to 9 am on February 5. Approximately 7 per cent of the State observed the highest daily rainfall on record on the same day and 40 stations throughout Victoria recorded multi-day rainfall totals over 140 mm between 4 and 6 February. Nursing home residents were evacuated from Mentone, Narre Warren and Werribee, whilst the Koo Wee Rup and the Alfred hospital relocated patients. Emergency relief centres were opened in Mildura, Narre Warren, Cardinia, Pakenham and Swan Hill. State wide, more than 6000 calls were made to the Victorian State Emergency Service. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the preliminary 2011 damage at $418.6 million.2/4/2011 0:002/6/2011 0:00-37.81795502144.95361336000141867000020Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=505 506Disaster EventOn 6 March 2010, thunderstorms occurred in the west of Victoria, intensifying as they moved eastward towards the Shepparton region. The same day, severe thunderstorms also developed into the north-west of metropolitan Melbourne, bringing isolated severe wind gusts. Flash flooding was widespread across the city and hailstones measuring 2 - 10 cm caused damage to homes and major buildings including the Arts Centre, Etihad Stadium and Southern Cross Station. Shepparton experienced localised flooding, hail and wind damage prior to the storm moving south. Power outages occurred to 100,000 homes in Melbourne and 45,000 homes in the Shepparton region. The severe thunderstorms resulted in more than 7500 calls to the Victorian State Emergency Service, prompting crews from New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania to help in the clean up. Financial assistance for affected communities was announced by the Federal Attorney-General on 12 March 2010. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2010 damage at $1044 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $1160 million.3/6/2010 0:003/7/2010 0:00-37.81795502144.9536133104400000000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=506 507Disaster EventOn 13 and 14 January 2011, large amounts of tropical air combined with a low pressure trough brought heavy rain to areas of south-east Australia. The heaviest rain spread into Victoria, resulting in record rainfall in parts of west and north-west Victoria. This, combined with saturated conditions of the catchment and floodplains, caused severe flooding. Jeparit recorded the highest daily rainfall of 161.2 mm, with seven other monitoring stations breaking their highest daily rainfall records. Weather stations at Kyneton, Annuello, Rupanyup and Maryborough observed their highest ever rainfall total for anymonth on record. The Wimmera, Avoca, Loddon and Campaspe river catchment areas all reached record flood peaks. The Barwon catchment and the Lerderderg River in the Werribee catchment also experienced major flooding. The towns of Charlton, Bridgewater, Carisbrook, Rochester, Horsham and Echuca experienced the greatest levels of inundation. The flooding of the Goulburn River resulted in the drowning of a person in a flooded billabong near Shepparton. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the preliminary 2011 damage at $126 million.1/12/2011 0:001/18/2011 0:00-36.05048752145.20527651126495000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=507 508Disaster EventOn Friday 11 March, an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter Scale occurred off the north-east coast of Japan. It triggered a 10 m tsunami that caused extensive damage. The most heavily impacted areas were Sendai city, Miyagi and Fukushima prefecture. A nuclear emergency was declared following explosions at various nuclear plants in the Fukushima area. Abnormally high levels of radioactive substances were later detected in seawater 100 m from the plant. Due to radiation concerns, Japan halted some food shipments, which included the suspension of milk and certain vegetables from regions around the plant after abnormal radiation levels were found in the products. There were 1964 registered Australians in Japan at the time of the earthquake, with 229 Australians registered in the affected areas. The Australian Government assisted in recovery by providing $10 million to Red Cross Japan and also the Pacific Disaster Appeal. A transport aircraft was also deployed along with search and rescue teams to assist with the relief and recovery. The World Bank estimated the disaster could cost the world's third-biggest economy up to $235 billion. Notable aftershocks that occurred since the 11 March 2011 earthquake included: On 28 March 2011 at 7.24 am local time, aftershocks measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale with the epicentre at a depth of 17km. On 7 April 2011 a tremor measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, 25 miles deep in northeast Japan killed three people. Four million people were immediately plunged into darkness when two power plants were knocked offline.On 11 April 2011 a tremor measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale with the epicentre depth of 10 km, occurred in Fukushima prefecture triggered a brief tsunami warning, where workers evacuated the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant. As at 30 June 2011 the data on this earthquake is as follows: Deaths 15,467 Injured 5,388 3/11/2011 0:003/11/2011 0:0038.26999283140.8694458200000538815467Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=508 509Disaster EventSevere thunderstorms occurred on the afternoon and evening of Monday 22 March 2010 in the central west, lower west, and adjacent parts of the south-west great southern and central wheat belt districts of Western Australia. Severe storms moved through Perth between 3.30 pm and 6 pm with large hail at record levels, heavy rain and severe winds that resulted in considerable damage. The storm was responsible for record numbers of power outages more than 150,000 properties were without power at the peak, 300 hazard incidents and affected flight, train and bus services. The number of requests for assistance from FESA and SES totalled more than 3000, the most significant number since the May 1994 wind storms. Approximately 15 schools in the northern suburbs were closed the following day due to damage, while many hospitals were also damaged. Large hail occurred in a strip from the northern coastal suburbs to south Perth. For many suburbs, particularly from Osborne Park to Crawley, hail from 4-6 cm was large enough to badly damage cars, break car windscreens and windows of houses. Hail blocked gutters and drains worsening the impacts of flooding. Many properties were inundated with water including the University of Western Australia's library. A landslip at Kings Park caused the evacuation of several apartment towers as mud inundated lower levels threatening their stability. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2010 damage at $1053 million with the 2011 estimated normalised cost at $1019 million.3/22/2010 0:003/22/2010 0:00-31.90671539115.81361391001053000000Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=509 510Disaster EventIn the last week of February through to the first week of March 2010 Queensland, Central Australia and Northern New South Wales experienced unprecedented rainfall and serious flooding in several regions. Queensland recorded the highest state wide average rainfall on 2 March, with 31.74 mm, exceeding the previous record of 31.49 mm established on 21 May 1981. As a result the heavy deluge brought about widespread flooding to numerous rivers including Paroo, Moonie, Balonne, Dawson, Theodore, Moura, Maranoa, Warrego, Diamantina, Bulloo, Condamine, Weir, Mary, Burnett, and Comet. This had devastating impact on infrastructure including roads, railways and bridges, as well as agriculture and horticulture industries including farms, crops and live stock. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2010 damage at $46.7 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $49 million.2/28/2010 0:003/5/2010 0:00-27.47092438153.023544346700000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=510 511Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Sid brought about heavy rain and wide spread flooding to areas in the northern regions of Queensland, between Cairns and Townsville. Townsville recorded 549 mm of rain in a 24 hour period, and as a result 50 per cent of the town lost their power supply. Other major areas affected included Blue Water Creek, Black River, Rollingstone, Paluma, Ingham, Halifax and Charters Towers. The heavy deluge brought about extensive damage throughout the affected regions. Infrastructure including roads, highways, bridges, railways and power lines were badly disrupted. Furthermore, the flash flood inundated multiple buildings and houses along with wide spread damage to both agriculture and horticulture industries. The flood waters ruined crops, particularly the cane growers. One death was recorded as a result of this event. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $71 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $245 million. 1/10/1998 0:001/12/1998 0:00-19.25686264146.8180695171000000147Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=511 512Disaster EventIn early 1991 the drought began to affect southern Queensland and north-west New South Wales. By October the same year 65 per cent of both states were under drought conditions. During 1992-1993 there was some improvement in conditions where rain fell but this was inconsistent and often short-lived. In early 1994 the drought extended significantly affecting most of New South Wales and Victoria, encroaching on southern South Australia the south and west of Western Australia and north-eastern Tasmania. As 1994 went on, the drought steadily worsened; by September 1994, about 83 per cent of New South Wales and 40 per cent of Queensland were drought declared. In September 1994, the Commonwealth announced a total drought assistance package assessed to total $164 million over two years. Over the course of this drought average rural production fell by over 10 per cent and rural unemployment rose. Loss to the economy is estimated at around $5 billion.1/1/1991 0:0010/1/1996 0:00-27.56520081151.9551697Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=512 513Disaster EventHeavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Charlotte fell along regions in northern Queensland. Subsequent flood warnings were issued for rivers situated along the coast from Cairns to Mackay. Major rivers affected included the Mulgrave, Russell, Haughton and the Don. Cairns airport received 189 mm of rain over a three hour period, with many coastal areas receiving in excess of 300 mm over 24 hours.  The heavy deluge caused damage to infrastructure, houses and buildings.  The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2009 damage at $19 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $22 million. 1/12/2009 0:002/14/2009 0:000019000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=513 514Disaster EventFloods and storms occurred across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, causing damage to cars and homes. The Gold Coast recorded rain totals of 368 mm in a 24 hour period. The New South Wales Premier declared Lismore, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads and Ballina natural disaster zones.  Flood warnings were issued for major rivers from mid-north New South Wales to southern Queensland. In the northern New South Wales town of Lismore the Wilson River peaked and as a precaution, approximately 3000 residents were asked to evacuate their homes. Thousands of people in northern New South Wales remained stranded by the flood waters days after the storms, and were reliant on food and medical drops by boat and helicopter. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $25 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $37 million.  See related event for Queensland.6/29/2005 0:006/30/2005 0:00-28.80650711153.2769473000125000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=514 515Disaster EventOn the 8 June 2007, Piles Creek was in flood from heavy rain associated with an east coast low. The Old Pacific Highway where it crossed Piles Creek was damaged by the excessive rain and the underlying metal pipes that were corroded. The resulting erosion of soil undermined the road surface. A section of the road collapsed leaving a gap 10 m wide and a 30 m deep culvert where five people were killed in a car travelling on the highway at the time.6/8/2007 0:006/8/2007 0:00-33.42005157151.28405765New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=515 516Disaster EventHigh temperatures combined with severe wind helped a fire get out of control at Engadine on 9 October 2002. The day was labelled a total fire ban day, however fire broke out and quickly spread causing significant damage to homes in Engadine. Other areas affected by fires included Llandilo, Richmond and Windsor-Castlereagh, Bilpin and Narrabri. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2002 damage at $25 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $43 million.10/9/2002 0:0010/9/2002 0:00-34.06602859151.0125427250000001110New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=516 517Disaster EventOn Sunday 7 August 1994, an explosion occurred in the Moura No. 2 Coal Mine. A total of 21 people were working in the mine. Ten escaped while the remaining 11 failed to return to the surface. A secondary explosion on 9 August hindered any rescue attempts and the mine was subsequently sealed and closed. In accordance with section 74 of the Coal Mining Act (1925) an inquiry was held to investigate the incident with emphasis on determining the reasons for the explosions. The findings established the explosion was caused by a coal panel, which had been left untreated and ignited methane gas sealed in the panel. The inquiry could not determine a reason for the secondary explosion, nor determine the precise cause of the deaths.8/7/1994 0:008/7/1994 0:00-24.55961418149.970245411Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=517 518Disaster EventOn the 3 November 1980 at approximately 5 am, firefighters responded to a fire incident near Waterfall New South Wales. A fire tanker was trapped by the blaze, which had spread up from a nearby gully and was out of control. The five firefighters aboard the vehicle were subsequently killed.11/3/1980 0:0011/3/1980 0:00-34.13113022150.993347251New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=518 519Disaster EventFloods and storms occurred across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, causing damage to cars and homes. The Gold Coast recorded rain totals of 368 mm in a 24 hour period. Flood warnings were issued for major rivers from mid-north New South Wales to southern Queensland. In the northern New South Wales town of Lismore, the Wilson River peaked and as a precaution, approximately 3000 residents were asked to evacuate their homes. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $53.9 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $93 million. See related event for NSW. 6/29/2005 0:006/30/2005 0:00-19.25706673146.8179474253900000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=519 520Disaster EventOn 6 January 2001 areas of Dubbo (Central Western Slopes) experienced a very severe thunderstorm late in the day. Damage from strong winds, large hailstones and flash flooding occurred. Approximately 50 mm of rain and hail was recorded in around thirty minutes and wind gusts of up to 130 km per hour resulted in hundreds of falling trees. It was estimated 400 buildings and 150 motor vehicles were damaged. Dubbo was declared a natural disaster area. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $28 million.1/6/2001 0:001/6/2001 0:00-32.24010086148.609832815000000400150New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=520 521Disaster EventOn 23 March 1887 at 2.30 pm, a significant explosion occurred at the Bulli Colliery coal mine. The mine was renowned for having above average concentration of methane gas in specific areas. It was normal practice for miners to unlock safety lamps, which improved both vision and productivity. The combination of methane gas and naked flame led to the explosion, killing 81 miners. A commission was established to investigate the incident, and concluded poor attitudes towards safety by both miners and management created the ideal conditions for such an explosion.23/03/1887 00:00:0023/03/1887 00:00:00-34.42461014150.893096981New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=521 522Disaster EventOn 16 January 2002 a severe thunderstorm developed south of Grafton and intensified as it moved north-east toward the coast. Hail and heavy rain were reported at Grafton and Lismore reported damaging winds, flash flooding and hail the size of golf balls. The storm was at its highest intensity as it crossed the coast at Kingscliff. Flash flooding, 7 cm hail and a tornado occurred. Damage was reported at Kingscliff and neighbouring Banora Point. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2002 damage at $10 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $36 million.1/16/2002 0:001/16/2002 0:00-29.69006538152.933120710000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=522 523Disaster EventOn 29 December 1990 at approximately 3 am,a guesthouse in Ipswich burned to the ground. Five people were killed in the blaze. A Coroner's Report established that the fire was deliberately lit, however failed to find sufficient evidence for a conviction.12/29/1990 0:0012/29/1990 0:00-27.61316109152.758331351Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=523 524Disaster EventIn the outer northern Brisbane suburb of Boondall, a bus carrying fifty passengers overturned and skidded on its side across a highway and down a steep embankment. Twelve people died as a result of the accident, and 38 were injured.10/1/1994 0:0010/1/1994 0:00-27.35072708153.06005863812Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=524 525Disaster EventOn 30 January 1913, a livestock and goods train due to leave Toowoomba at 8.50 pm for Brisbane, was partly derailed a short distance on the Toowoomba side of Murphy's Creek at 10.30 pm. Seventeen wagons left the rails, and several, going over the embankment, were badly smashed. As there was much debris on the track, a breakdown train was sent to the scene to assist with the clean up. While this was underway a further relief passenger train was sent to transport stranded passengers and the overdue mail. This train collided with the breakdown train pushing it forward and crashing into a number of carriages that workmen were attempting to restore onto the rails. Six people were killed and others injured as a result of the collision.1/30/1913 0:001/30/1913 0:00-27.45425606152.04995736Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=525 526Disaster EventOn 22 September 1966, an Ansett Vickers Viscount 832 aircraft on a scheduled flight from Mt Isa to Longreach caught on fire and crashed approximately 16 km from Winton, Queensland. The captain attempted to complete an emergency descent due to fire in the no.1 and no. 2 engines; however the port wing failed upwards and the aircraft fell to pieces. It struck the ground at the edge of a clay pan and was immediately engulfed in flames, killing 20 passengers and four crew members. 9/22/1966 0:009/22/1966 0:00-22.338644143.070402241Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=526 527Disaster EventOn 14 October 1904, a fire broke out in the upper workings of the Brilliant Mine at Charters Towers. The fumes rose up the shaft and killed seven miners.10/14/1904 0:0010/14/1904 0:00-20.06367111146.25686657Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=527 528Disaster EventOn 7 June, an obstruction under one of the trailing wheels of the leading bogie of the luggage van caused the van to derail. It was dragged along for 2.4 km before it struck the end of the 96 Mile Bridge. The train plunged over the side of the bridge, dragging two carriages with it. There were 53 people injured and ten deaths recorded.6/7/1925 0:006/7/1925 0:00-26.32070923152.78353885310Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=528 529Disaster EventThirteen passengers and two crew members were killed on 7 May 2005, when a TransAir Metroliner aircraft crashed into rugged terrain. The aircraft was approaching the airstrip at Lockhart River airport, far north Queensland, when it crashed approximately 11 km north-west of its destination. A Coroner's Report found that the Pilot of the aircraft approached the airport in a manner inconsistent with official regulations and the policies of the airline; flying too fast, too low and descending too quickly. The flight broke through the safe minimum altitude of 2060 ft, flying approximately 800 ft below it when it hit the mountain. Instead of a final approach speed of 117 to 130 knots, the aircraft was averaging 175 knots, and instead of descending at 1000 ft per minute, the aircraft was descending at 1700 ft per minute. The aircraft hit the 500 m high hill at approximately 11.45 am and was destroyed by the impact forces and post impact fires.5/7/2005 0:005/7/2005 0:00-12.78505993143.3065643151Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=529 530Disaster EventA Queensland Rail tilt train service, travelling from Brisbane to Cairns with 157 passengers and staff onboard, derailed approximately 50 km north of Bundaberg at approximately midnight on 15 November 2004. Seven of its nine carriages left the track in the derailment, resulting in the structural damage of; 120 metres of track sleepers and ballast; three overhead traction support poles and associated overhead wiring. More than 100 passengers were transported from the accident site to Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Gladstone hospitals by helicopter, ambulance and bus. There were no deaths.11/15/2004 0:0011/15/2004 0:00-24.60862923151.8471985100Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=530 531Disaster EventDuring late February, areas around Bogantungan and Alpha experienced heavy rainfalls resulting in floods. At Medway Creek west of Bogantungan, the river flowed under the rail bridge which was lined with old gum trees. Overnight on 25 February, a 12 tonne gum tree was swept into the creek, dislodging the pile that supported the 64 m stone and timber rail bridge. Shortly after 2.30 am on 26 January, the bridge collapsed as the Rockhampton-bound Midlander passed over it. The first of the two locomotives cleared the bridge but derailed and the C17, generator car and two sleeping carriages derailed and fell into the creek 7.6 m below. A total of seven people were killed (four passengers and three crew) and 43 people injured. 2/26/1960 0:002/26/1960 0:00-23.63571739147.293701243711Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=531 532Disaster EventDue to collapse of the Victoria Bridge, the wooden steamer Pearl was being used as a ferry to transfer passengers across the Brisbane River. At 5.50 pm on Thursday 13 February, the Pearl departed Queen's Wharf for Musgrave Wharf, carrying between 80 and 100 passengers. The steamer was carried by an eddy and a strong current on to the anchor chains of the vessel Lucinda and was cut in two. The Pearl capsized and sank within 30 seconds with all passengers being thrown into the water. Twenty eight bodies were recovered and an official inquiry established the total number of deaths at 57.13/02/1896 00:00:0013/02/1896 00:00:00-27.47328568153.0229797571Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=532 533Disaster EventFourteen men, five women and two children were killed when a Lockheed Lodestar plane crashed into a swamp on 10 March 1949. The aircraft had just taken off from Bilinga airstrip, a mile from Coolangatta. The cause of the crash was established as loss of fore and aft control due to improper loading, resulting in the centre of gravity being considerably aft of the permissible limit.3/10/1949 0:003/10/1949 0:00-28.16490364153.5157928211Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=533 534Disaster EventOn 4 February 1987, a Cairns State High School bus carrying 43 students home from a school camp went off the cliff edge of the Gillies Highway as a result of faulty brakes. The bus fell 30 m, rolling several times, before coming to a rest upside down. The impact killed eight students. 2/4/1987 0:002/4/1987 0:00-17.10798073145.77484133081Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=534 535Disaster EventOn 11 May 1990, a Cessna 500 Astec Eagle aircraft conducting a charter passenger operation, crashed on the eastern slopes of Mt Emerald near Atherton. The impact killed 11 people; the pilot and ten passengers. 5/11/1990 0:005/11/1990 0:00-17.20360947145.4060364111Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=535 536Disaster EventBetween 2.30 pm and 3 pm on 25 September 1990, a tour bus based at Tweed Heads was involved in an accident near the intersection of Henri Roberts Drive and King Parrot Court, Mt Tamborine. The driver attempted to turn into King Parrot Court but was unable to successfully negotiate the turn. The bus slipped over an embankment and rolled, coming to rest against a large gum tree. Eleven people died in the accident and the remaining 38 occupants sustained injuries.9/25/1990 0:009/25/1990 0:00-27.97285652153.233764638111Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=536 537Disaster EventShortly after 10 pm on 10 June 1960, Trans Australia Airline flight 538 crashed into the sea killing 29 people on board. There was heavy fog and the plane's first attempt at landing had been aborted. A Government inquiry failed to establish an exact explanation for the crash, resulting in compulsory regulations for all commercial airliners to have flight recorders on board to prevent similar incidents.  6/10/1960 0:006/10/1960 0:00-21.18129158149.19450381Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=537 538Disaster EventOn 18 October 1947, at approximately 12.55 am, a Brisbane bound Rockhampton train carrying 300 passengers collided with a stationary Townsville mail train carrying 200. The Rockhampton train was travelling between 15 and 20 miles per hour, however the impact forced the stationary train back more than 100 ft. Both engines were locked together and derailed. Three carriages were overturned and two telescoped. Six people were killed and 15 injured.10/18/1947 0:0010/18/1947 0:00-26.1312027152.664505156Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=538 539Disaster EventAt approximately 6.14 am on 1 December 1956, the Westlander crashed into the Western Mail at Wallumbilla, near Roma, south-west Queensland (467 km west of Brisbane). The two trains were intended to cross at the station. However, the 345 tonne Westlander passed through a danger signal without slowing and hit the stationary 200 tonne mail train head on, pushing it back 46 m, and derailing both engines and many carriages. Five passengers on the mail train were killed, and ten sustained injury. The Westlander had steel carriages that aided its 500 passengers from any serious injury.12/1/1956 0:0012/1/1956 0:00-26.58657074149.190444910511Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=539 540Disaster EventOn 12 June 1996, a formation of six Black Hawk helicopters departed RAAF Townsville to conduct a counter-terrorism approach exercise in the High Range Training Area. Thirty seconds from the landing zone, one of the helicopters veered to the right, clipping the tail rotor of a second aircraft. The lead helicopter crashed to the ground upside down. The second helicopter entered a flat spin before crash landing in an upright position. Both aircrafts were consumed by fire. Eighteen Australian servicemen perished and a further 12 were injured. Equipment worth $37 million was destroyed. The Board of Inquiry found that the planning and information regarding the air mission were inadequate; however no criminal charges were laid.  6/12/1996 0:006/12/1996 0:00-19.25670052146.817733812182Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=540 541Disaster EventThe Bell 206L-3 helicopter was operating a medical evacuation flight to convey a patient from a property north-west of Rockhampton to Marlborough, where the patient was to be transferred to an ambulance for transport to Rockhampton. Due to widespread thick fog, the pilot was unable to land on the Marlborough school sports field and requested the ambulance crew to position the vehicle at the lighted intersection of the Bruce Highway and the Marlborough to Sarina Road. At approximately 2.05 am, while the pilot was attempting to find a safe landing site adjacent to the intersection, the helicopter lost engine power and impacted the ground in a paddock approximately 300 m from the intersection. All five passengers on board died.7/24/2000 0:007/24/2000 0:00-22.81171036149.891082851Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=541 542Disaster EventOn 14 November 1954, a bushfire at the Narollah station, 60 miles south of Hughenden occurred. Three people fighting the fire became trapped as a gust of wind blew flames encircling them. They were all severely burned and died in hospital approximately two days later.11/14/1954 0:0011/14/1954 0:00-20.06302643146.2596133Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=542 543Disaster EventAt approximately 11.30 pm on 18 August 2002, a boarding house in Sandgate, Brisbane, was destroyed by fire. Three of the boarding house occupants perished as a result of the fire, and six were seriously injured. The fire commenced at the front of the boarding house, beneath the main floor where the occupants resided in individual rooms. The fire spread to and destroyed the adjoining premises, another boarding house. The cause of the fire is unknown; however the owner of the boarding house was prosecuted for failing to provide adequate means of escape or safety measures such as alarms, emergency lights, exit signs or outward opening doors.8/18/2002 0:008/18/2002 0:00-27.31918716153.07131966322Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=543 544Disaster EventA tropical low in the northern Coral Sea deepened into tropical Cyclone Tessi on 2 April and crossed the coast near Bambaroo and Crystal Creek (80 km north of Townsville) early on 3 April as a category 2 cyclone. Winds unroofed buildings, uprooted trees and power lines fell in the area between Ingham and Ayr. Approximately 70 per cent of Townsville lost power. Heavy rain caused landslides on Townsville's Castle Hill destroying two homes and requiring the evacuation of another 50. Townsville Airport reported a record April wind gust of 130 km per hour and a daily rainfall total of 271.6 mm. Although damage was widespread, the impact was considered minor. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $15 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $41 million.4/2/2000 0:004/4/2000 0:00-18.86470795146.299438515000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=544 545Disaster EventCyclone Steve formed in the northern Coral Sea, near Willis Island, and developed into a cyclone at approximately 7 am on 27 February 2000. The cyclone intensified further during the day to reach Category 2 intensity by 1 pm, before crossing the east Queensland coast to the near north of Cairns at approximately 7 pm. Cyclone Steve caused major flooding between Cairns and Mareeba. A record flood level of 12.4 m was reached at Mareeba at 4.37 am on 28 February 2000, with 90 people requiring evacuation and the railway bridge washed away. Many buildings in Cairns suffered severe water damage including the Cairns Hospital. Wind gusts of up to 150 km per hour caused several buildings in Cairns and Kuranda to lose their roofs. Hundreds of trees were uprooted and powerlines were brought down throughout the district, disrupting supplies to more than 40,000 residents. The two highways to the Atherton Tablelands were closed by fallen trees and landslides. Crop damage by floods and winds was severe, notably the sugar cane industry. Cairns Emergency Services answered over 1200 calls during the course of Cyclone Steve, while the Disaster Coordination Centre took another 1800 calls. One person from the town of Cardwell was killed by the floods following the cyclone. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2000 damage at $11 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $31 million. NOTE: This is the cost and summary for Queensland exclusively; Cyclone Steve also impacted on Northern Territory and Western Australia.2/27/2000 0:003/9/2000 0:00-16.28831482149.9652405111000000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=545 546Disaster EventDuring the period between 7 - 14 April, Lismore and the surrounding region sustained heavy rainfall causing many areas to flood. The worst affected townships included; Coraki, Woodburn, Broadwater, Wardell, Iluka and Yamba with reports of water up to 1 m deep around many homes. Woodburn and lower Richmond were isolated as a result. The Richmond River system carried flood water to the sea however high tides and a six metre swell at the mouth of the river restricted the outflow of water. The Pacific highway was closed for a period at Murwillumbah and Chinderah, and other major road closures occurred. The State Emergency Services (SES) accommodated and provided meals for approximately 1150 people. Two caravan parks and one nursing home were evacuated. Significant crop damage occurred. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1988 damage at $25 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $139 million.4/7/1988 0:004/12/1988 0:00-28.80591011153.276916525000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=546 547Disaster EventOn 30 June 2005, a surface trough deepened off the east coast of New South Wales resulting in strong north-easterly winds and flooding rain in the far north-east of the State. In Tweed Heads a record for June was set with 382 mm of rain recorded to 9:00 am. Several other rainfall stations recorded their highest ever daily rainfall for June including: Mullumbimby, Woodburn, Alstonville, Byron Bay and Murwillumbah. Record flooding was recorded at Marshalls Creek. The most serious impacts of the floods occurred at Lismore, where hundreds of people were evacuated. Overall, hundreds of homes and businesses were flooded and key infrastructure damaged. Thousands of residents on the Northern Coast were cut off by the flood waters for days and required food and medical drops by boat or helicopter. One person died in Byron Bay and two in South East Queensland. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $25 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $37 million. This event coincides with a storm in South East Queensland on the same date. The Insurance Council of Australia list two entries, South - East Queensland $53.9 million and North - East New South Wales $25 million.6/30/2005 0:006/30/2005 0:00-28.1733017153.542984125000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=547 548Disaster EventIn the early evening on 23 November 1996, Coffs Harbour experienced flash flooding from heavy rainfall with up to 300 mm of rain falling in a two hour period. This caused water to rise approximately 1.5 m in the centre of the town, damaging most shops. The severe storm was a result of an off shore low pressure system that was strengthened by the steep ranges of Coffs Harbour. Coffs Creek flooded, which was intensified by the high tide. One person drowned, having been swept away by the rising flood water. Approximately 300 people were moved to higher ground due to inundation. Crops were destroyed and mudslides covered the Pacific Highway. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1996 damage at $20 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $67 million.11/23/1996 0:0011/23/1996 0:00-30.29405403153.1161194120000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=548 549Disaster EventFrom 3-4 October, heavy rainfall fell over a 24 hour period causing severe flooding in the north-eastern region of Victoria. Rainfall recorded during this period was 200 mm, with 165 mm recorded in Benalla. Districts affected by the flood included; Benalla, Euroa, Violet Town, Myrtleford. The flood water took some days to reach Shepparton and Nathalia due to the topography and the slow movement of the water. The flood waters covered 40 000 square km, and remained for days or weeks. The impact of the flood was extensive and included; 8 000 people affected; 1,500 people evacuated from their homes; 3 000 households damaged; 95 per cent of commercial businesses in the Benalla district affected; five bridges damaged or destroyed; several roads cut; 400 km rural fencing damaged; Telephone services, power, sewage and water infrastructure affected; and crops and livestock losses. The estimated cost to replace local buildings, roads, and recreation reserves was estimated in 1993 values to be between $3 million and $5 million, businesses losses estimated at $10 million and agricultural losses approximately $30 million. Many premises were uninsured. The recovery period for the district took 18 months. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1993 damage at $12 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $44 million.10/3/1993 0:0010/4/1993 0:00-36.5514946145.981704712000000300050052000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=549 550Disaster EventOn 24 August 2011 a fire began on the ground floor of a two storey home south of Brisbane. Fifteen people were living in the house at the time. Three occupants escaped, two occupants sustained injuries and 11 occupants died. Approximately 30 firefighters responded to the incident. The second storey of the home collapsed during the fire. There were also two vehicles destroyed in the blaze.8/24/2011 0:008/24/2011 0:00-27.62787819153.119369521112Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=550 551Disaster EventOn 5 May 1947, a chartered train departed for a picnic at Closeburn on the Dayboro branch with approximately 230 passengers were on board. On the descent towards Samford Station, the engine tender derailed on a sharp bend causing the total derailment of the engine, water gin and first two carriages. The force of the derailment destroyed the first carriage and compressed the combined length of the engine to the third carriage to just over half its original length. Sixteen people were killed and 38 injured. A Court of Inquiry that found excessive speed had led to the crash.5/5/1947 0:005/5/1947 0:00-27.37134743152.886764538161Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=551 552Disaster EventOn 4 April 1989, Cyclone Aivu crossed the North Queensland coast near the Burdekin River between Townsville and Bowen. On 31 March a tropical low developed south-east of Papua New Guinea. It moved slowly west-southwest and the system deepened reaching tropical cyclone intensity on 1 April. Cyclone Aivu tracked south-east and then south-west at 15-20 km per hour and continued to intensify for some days. The cyclone then weakened but maintained severe tropical cyclone intensity when reaching land south of Townsville. Upon reaching the land, the central pressure was 957 hPa with wind gusts to 200 km per hour and a storm surge of up to 3 m. A person drowned in the accompanying storm surge south of the Burdekin River. The system continued to move west-southwest after landfall and degenerated into a rain depression during the next six hours losing identity two days later. Cyclone Aivu produced record and near record April rainfall totals over large parts of the coastal and central interior districts of Queensland and some parts of New South Wales. The maximum total recorded rainfalls inland from Mackay over 24 hours were 581 mm. Severe local flooding occurred between Townsville and Mackay during 4 April with a flood peak at Mackay of 7.8 m on 5 April; the major flood peak measured 13.2 m on the Pioneer River upstream from Mackay. In northern New South Wales, flooding occurred as a result of this cyclone and two people drowned in associated flood waters. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1989 damage at $26 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $138 million.4/4/1989 0:004/20/1989 0:00-19.64258766147.590332326000000New South Wales;Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=552 553Disaster EventOn 27 August 1840 the Echo, a wooden two mast schooner, was en route from Hobart to Sydney with a general cargo. It wrecked between Wedge Bay and Cape Raoul on the Tasman Peninsula with the loss of all hands. Three bodies later washed onto shore.27/08/1840 00:00:0027/08/1840 00:00:00-43.05584335148.042831431Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=553 554Disaster EventThe Yarra Yarra was a wooden two mast schooner. It sailed from Launceston for Port Phillip on 20 September 1838 with a cargo and 18 passengers. It was never seen or heard of again.20/09/1838 00:00:0020/09/1838 00:00:00-39.18968964145.8654785181Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=554 555Disaster EventThe Port Phillip Packet was a single-masted sailing vessel or a sloop. It sailed from Launceston to Port Phillip Bay on 17 May 1838 with three crew and three passengers but never arrived and was never seen again. It was rumoured at the time it was pirated by convicts and later foundered. it is presumed that all onboard perished.17/05/1838 00:00:0017/05/1838 00:00:00-40.1872673146.612548861Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=555 556Disaster EventThe Lady Franklin was a wooden two mast schooner. It sailed from Hobart for Port Phillip on 20 April 1838 with a cargo and 15 passengers. It stopped at Port Arthur for repairs and continued the passage on 27 April 1838 and was never seen again. It is assumed all 15 perished.27/04/1838 00:00:0027/04/1838 00:00:00-42.82764053148.3703613151Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=556 557Disaster EventThe Mars was a wooden two mast schooner that sailed from Slopen Island off the Tasmanian coast to Hobart with a cargo of coal on 5 May 1837 but never arrived. Four people died and no trace was ever found. It is thought it may have been blown out into Storm Bay off Bruny Island before sinking in a gale. 05/05/1837 00:00:0005/05/1837 00:00:00-43.560491147.3211674Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=557 558Disaster EventThe Enchantress was a wooden three mast barque. It was en route from London to Hobart, with a valuable cargo and 19 passengers, when it struck unchartered rocks approximately half a mile west of Bruny Island on 16 July 1835. The rocks caused a large hole that rendered the ship unmanageable and it was abandoned before it sank. The long boat with 17 people on board went down and was not seen again. The survivors landed on Partridge Island. Exact numbers of deaths and survivors are unknown. 16/07/1835 00:00:0016/07/1835 00:00:00-43.43397522147.3960114171Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=558 559Disaster EventThe Neva was a convict transport barque that was wrecked off the west coast of King Island on 14 May 1835. It was en route from Cork to Sydney with officers and crew consisting of 150 women convicts, nine voluntary emigrants, and 45 children. The force of the collision was so severe that the prison doors burst open allowing the convicts to make deck. Boats were launched but they were soon swamped or battered by heavy seas, drowning many convicts and crew members. The convicts still on board were dumped into deep water when the ship quickly broke up and sank. There were 15 survivors. Some doubt exists as to how many people died, either 218 or 223.14/05/1835 00:00:0014/05/1835 00:00:00-39.75788116143.81652832181Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=559 560Disaster EventGeorge III was a convict transport and a full rigged three mast ship. On 12 December 1834 it sailed from London to Hobart with 220 male convicts onboard. When nearing the equator several weeks into the journey a fire broke out on board. If it wasn't for the heroism of two convicts who moved gun powder away from the fire the ship would have been lost. Many of the ships provisions were destroyed in the fire and the captain refused to pull into port to replenish them. Twelve men died of scurvy and a further 60 were seriously ill. The captain took a short cut through the D'entrecasteaux channel in Tasmania and the ship was wrecked near Acteon Islands south of Hobart on 12 April 1835. Of the 294 on board 133 people including 127 convicts died.12/04/1835 00:00:0012/04/1835 00:00:00-43.71355057147.27172851331Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=560 561Disaster EventThe Sally was a wooden cutter. On 30 June 1826 it was en route from Hobart to Ringarooma Bay on the north-east coast of Tasmania when it was lost, stranded approximately a quarter of a mile offshore at Cape Portland. Thirteen lives were lost. There were ten survivors.30/06/1826 00:00:0030/06/1826 00:00:00-40.73633194147.9515076131Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=561 562Disaster EventThe Brahmin was a wooden three mast ship. It was en route from London to Sydney with 42 passengers and crew onboard. The ship ran ashore and wrecked 3 km south of Whistler Point on the west coast of King Island 21 May 1854. Seventeen people drowned but the rest reached safety and remained on the island for five months until they were rescued by the steamer Electra out of Port Phillip.21/05/1854 00:00:0021/05/1854 00:00:00-39.78954315143.6531067171Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=562 563Disaster EventThe Cataraqui was a wooden ship carrying emigrants to Melbourne from England, departing in April 1845. On 4 August 1845 in heavy weather it was wrecked ashore on the western coast of King Island. The ship was lost and 367 emigrants and 41 crew drowned. (There are other reports of 369 and 46 deaths). There were nine survivors.04/08/1845 00:00:0004/08/1845 00:00:00-39.85388565143.66271974081Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=563 564Disaster EventThe Edward was a wooden two mast schooner. It sailed from Circular Head, north-west Tasmania for Launceston on 21 May 1842 with eight passengers, however it failed to arrive. Wreckage was found years later.21/05/1842 00:00:0021/05/1842 00:00:00-41.064339146.5129858Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=564 565Disaster EventThe Governor Phillip was a wooden two mast teak built brig. On 27 October 1848 it was en route from Norfolk Island to Hobart with 74 onboard, including a number of convicts, when it wrecked off a reef near Gull Island north-east of Tasmania. Forty convicts were imprisoned below and concerned they would be left to drown, however, they were released and their chains removed. In total 16 lives were lost including four convicts. Survivors remained on Gull Island, until moving to Clarke Island and were eventually picked up and returned to Hobart.27/10/1848 00:00:0027/10/1848 00:00:00-40.43597412148.495391816Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=565 566Disaster EventThe Fairy was a wooden two mast schooner that cleared Tamar Heads on a voyage from Launceston to Circular Heads, Tasmania when it was overcome by heavy weather and capsized on 8 September 1851. The schooner sank quickly. Three people died and there were three survivors who were picked up by a nearby vessel.08/09/1851 00:00:0008/09/1851 00:00:00-41.02653503146.741638231Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=566 567Disaster EventThe Antares was a wooden two mast brigantine which was en route from Melbourne to Hobart with 14 people onboard when it struck a reef without warning, west of Flinders Island, on 19 February 1853. Three survivors took the longboat for Launceston to raise the alarm. Meanwhile six people drowned. Three of the remaining five survivors made a raft and headed for Little Chalk Island and were never seen again. The two last survivors built a second raft and reached Flinders Island, where they were picked up by a sealer who took them to Launceston. 19/02/1853 00:00:0019/02/1853 00:00:00-40.069664147.561492991Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=567 568Disaster EventThe Rebecca was a wooden three mast barque. It ran aground without warning near Arthur River, north-west Tasmania 29 April 1853. It had left London for Sydney on 2 December 1852 with a valuable general cargo and a complement of 20. Six people were lost. The survivors were found 23 days later and taken to Circular Head, then Melbourne. 29/04/1853 00:00:0029/04/1853 00:00:00-41.05501938144.661102361Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=568 569Disaster EventOn 28 and 29 September 2011 thunderstorms and heavy rain occurred across Victoria. A high pressure system moved in from the Great Australian Bight to southern Victoria making way for a low pressure trough that weakened as it moved across Victoria early on the 28th. The trough brought widespread rainfall and thunderstorms. Melbourne recorded its wettest September day since 1916, with more than 48 mm of rain falling in the city in the 24 hours to 9:00 am. Electrical storms disrupted flights and public transport and left tens of thousands of homes without power. The SES was called out to hundreds of homes with falling trees, flash flooding, lightning and wind damage to houses. In regional areas hail caused significant crop damage in the Mildura area. Flash flooding was reported in Gisborne as the storms approached the Melbourne area. In the north-east of Victoria, many weather stations broke daily rainfall records with Tolmie recording the highest record of 101 mm in a day. The Insurance Council of Australia insured cost is not available to date.9/28/2011 0:009/29/2011 0:00-37.81229401144.9632263Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=569 570Disaster EventThe Zephyr was en route from Hobart to Melbourne on 11 July 1852 with a general cargo and 14 passengers. It went ashore at Bream Creek near Hobart on the night of the 13-14 July. Eight people drowned and the schooner was buried in sand.13/07/1852 00:00:0013/07/1852 00:00:00-42.81026077147.892120481Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=570 571Disaster EventThe Lioness was a wooden two mast schooner. Without warning the Lioness collided with Moriarty's bank off Clarke Island Tasmania and drifted along onto rocks off South Head on 21 March 1854. Three people abandoning ship made the rocks only to be washed away and drowned. One further person died when losing his grip on the line that took the others successfully to shore. Survivors were picked up and returned to Hobart by the vessel Hugh Roberts.21/03/1854 00:00:0021/03/1854 00:00:00-40.56650162148.114929241Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=571 572Disaster EventThe Dolphin was a two mast schooner. Exact dates are unknown but at the end of March 1854, the Dolphin was located on the beach at Louisa Bay, on the southern Tasmanian coast. The mast and bowsprit were missing. No trace was ever found of those onboard; four crew and seven prospectors en route from Port Davey. 31/03/1854 00:00:0031/03/1854 00:00:00-43.77902603146.9750977111Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=572 573Disaster EventThe Maypo was a wooden two mast brigantine. It was en route from Melbourne to Calcutta when it wrecked on the north-west coast of King Island on 28 May 1855. The brig broke up quickly and four people were drowned. There were 24 survivors who met up with survivors from Whistler who that been wrecked only two hours earlier. The groups remained together until they were rescued by the Corio that was despatched from Melbourne.28/05/1855 00:00:0028/05/1855 00:00:00-39.67337036143.76708984Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=573 574Disaster EventCreole was a wooden two mast schooner. It sailed from Launceston for New Zealand on 29 August 1863 with 15 passengers and 14 crew. It evidently foundered in bad weather. While exact details are unknown, conjecture is that it capsized or ran into an island between the Tamar and the Swan Islands shortly after clearing the heads. The Swan Island lighthouse keeper found wreckage and one of the boats was found at Waterhouse Island hence the ship was identified and the Creole was lost with all hands.29/08/1863 00:00:0029/08/1863 00:00:00-40.74777603148.1336365291Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=574 575Disaster EventThe Farningham was a composite three mast barque. It was on a voyage from Dunedin to Port Adelaide with a cargo of oats when it collided with the iron barque Vanguard approximately 160 miles off Port Davey, Tasmania, 11 July 1884. Three of Farningham's crew were never seen again.11/07/1884 00:00:0011/07/1884 00:00:00-43.35014725145.89363131Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=575 576Disaster EventThe Tyne was a wooden two mast schooner and was en route from Otago to Hobart with 41 passengers and seven crew. On 4 December 1861 in gale conditions it ran into cliffs near Cape Pillar, south of Hobart. The ship broke up rapidly. Four men tried to reach shore but died when they were bashed against the rocks. The ships mate managed to secure a line to the cliff and the others managed to reach safety.04/12/1861 00:00:0004/12/1861 00:00:00-43.22169113148.015365641Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=576 577Disaster EventThe Glimpse was a wooden cutter. It left Wynyard for Launceston with two crew members and three passengers 17 October 1866 but failed to arrive. Wreckage was found and identified at a location near Port Sorrell in the North of Tasmania. There were no survivors.28/08/1863 00:00:0028/08/1863 00:00:00-41.15726089146.547195451Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=577 578Disaster EventThe Acacia was a wooden barque. It sailed from Port Esperance Tasmania for Adelaide on 20 June 1904 with a cargo of timber. The last sighting of Acacia was at Maatsuyker Island the following day in poor weather. A steamer was sent from Hobart to assist but Acacia was never found. Some wreckage was found nearly a year later on a beach south of the Mainwaring Inlet. It is thought it may have hit what later became known as Acacia Rocks which lie south-west of Mainwaring Inlet. Nine people drowned.6/20/1904 0:006/20/1904 0:00-43.66054535146.290847891Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=578 579Disaster EventThe Brier Holme was an iron three mast barque. It wrecked on the south-west coast of Tasmania, 5 November 1904. Having left London for Hobart with 18 crew in July 1904 it was officially listed as missing at the end of November. Wreckage was found 3 January 1905 on the beach at Port Davey. A search of the area located a sole survivor who described how the barque hit a reef 20 km north of Port Davey in poor weather.11/5/1904 0:0011/5/1904 0:00-43.897892145.6567383171Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=579 580Disaster EventThe Annie Ward was a ketch that sank half a mile off Half Moon Bay, South Arm, Tasmania on approximately 15 November 1898. Three people drowned and there were no survivors.15/11/1898 00:00:0015/11/1898 00:00:00-43.25670624147.569732731Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=580 581Disaster EventThe Orion was a wooden single screw steamship. It made regular trips between north-west Tasmania and Melbourne. On 6 May 1908 it left Smithton with captain, 11 crew, 15 passengers and a general cargo. It disappeared in an unknown location believed to be in the vicinity of Flinders Island. All 27 people onboard are believed to have perished.5/6/1908 0:005/6/1908 0:00-40.1872673147.0959473271Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=581 582Disaster EventThe Kawatiri was an iron steamship engaged in the Melbourne to Strahan to Hobart run from 1898. In heavy seas it hit a bar at Macquarie Harbour Tasmania trying to enter Hells Gates and wrecked on the North Spit, 13 August 1907. Boats were lowered and there were a number of survivors. Six people drowned.8/13/1907 0:008/13/1907 0:00-42.20817566145.21179261Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=582 583Disaster EventThe Southern Cross was a wooden two mast barquentine. It sailed from Melbourne to Hobart with a general cargo and a crew of 12 on 12 September 1920 but failed to arrive. On 22 September a large quantity of wreckage was found on the coast of King Island. Rescue and search efforts were unsuccessful. All were presumed lost.9/12/1920 0:009/12/1920 0:00-39.70718765144.2285156121Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=583 584Disaster EventThe Alfhild was an iron ship en route from Rio de Janeiro for Hobart to load timber for the United Kingdom. It wrecked ashore in a gale near Port Davey on 10 October 1907. It quickly broke in three due to the heavy seas. Four people drowned. Rigging had to be cut to access the life boats. Six men made it to Maatsuyker Island on a boat which left seven others who were not found alive.10/10/1907 0:0010/10/1907 0:00-43.36412811145.8242798111Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=584 585Disaster EventThe Great Expectations was a sloop that completed the Melbourne to Devonport yacht race and was on the return journey to Melbourne. It disappeared 4 January 1990. A search by land and sea was undertaken but failed to find any trace of the yacht. Six crew members were lost. In April 1991 some personal items were found near Forster Inlet near Cape Portland, northern Tasmania. These were identified as having belonged to the crew on Great Expectations.1/4/1990 0:001/4/1990 0:00-40.72228241148.01261961Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=585 586Disaster EventBetween 5 am and 6 am on 18 November 2011, two rooms at the Quakers Hill Nursing Home in north-west Sydney caught fire. Up to 100 residents were evacuated and approximately 32 people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. More than 50 firefighters and more than 100 fire crews, police and ambulance attended the scene. It is believed that the nursing home had working smoke alarms but no sprinkler system fitted to the roof. By 9 January 2012, 21 residents had died either during the fire or afterwards, however it remains unclear how many deaths are a direct consequence of the fire. Further investigations are currently being undertaken by the State Coroner and the NSW Police Force. A registered nurse working at the home was charged with ten counts of murder. In April 2012 the nurse was formally refused bail and the case was adjourned to 28 June.11/18/2011 0:0011/18/2011 0:00-33.87269592151.206985532101New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=586 587Disaster EventOn 23 November 2011 a fire broke containment lines from a prescribed burn in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes. Approximately 300 residents were forced to evacuate over a three day period. The fire was brought under control on 26 November 2011. In total 3400 ha, 32 houses, five sheds, nine chalets, and one shop were destroyed by the fire  in the coastal communities of Prevelly, Redgate and Gnarabup. Some residents were unable to return home due to pollution from asbestos and other contaminants spread by the fire. A new fire started at Nannup on 2 December 2011 also from a prescribed burn that broke containment lines. It threatened more than 200 homes and forced evacuations in Augusta and Molloy Island. Approximately 55,150 ha were burnt and a small amount of property was lost. Many fires were ablaze in Western Australia during this period; on 24 November there were a total of 13 fire fronts burning. Premier Colin Barnett declared the fires an 'Eligible Natural Disaster' for the purposes of the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, with funding to be provided from FESA and the Commonwealth Government. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the preliminary 2011 damage at $53 million.11/23/2011 0:0012/6/2011 0:00-34.31492233115.159256530000003213Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=587 588Disaster EventOn 27 November heavy rainfall occurred in the northern inland areas of New South Wales. Flood warnings were issued for the Macleay, Severn, Macintyre, Gwydir, Mehi, Namoi and Peel Rivers.New South Wales State Emergency Service volunteers prepared Wee Waa with food and emergency supplies, with predictions that the swollen Namoi River would isolate the town for some days. The rising waters made the roads in Wee Waa inaccessible to all but four-wheel drive vehicles. Water levels exceeded 6 m around 9:00 am on 27 November, before reaching 7 m on 29 November with major flooding. Approximately 300 properties were isolated in Moree, and the town was cut in two after rising waters forced the closure of the local bridge.More properties were cut off in Gunnedah and the village of Garah, as waters in the Namoi, Gwydir, Peel and Mehi Rivers continued to rise. One person drowned after being pulled into a storm water drain in Bingara, near Inverell. As the flood waters abated and moved downstream, the Department of Primary Industries were able to assess the flood damage. Hundreds of livestock, mainly sheep, died with most of the losses occurring between Garah and Weemelah. Fodder drops will continue to provide quality feed. It has been estimated that approximately $52 million in flood damage has occurred to the cotton industry in the Gwydir Valley. The local growers' association says initial estimates are based on around 18,000 hectares; up to 30 per cent of the dryland crop and five per cent of irrigated crop being damaged. It warns these figures could worsen as the floodwaters move downstream inundating more cotton and upstream crops begin to emerge. On 1 December 2011, the New South Wales Government announced natural disaster declarations following the recent heavy rain and significant flooding in Northern New South Wales; local councils involved include Moree Plains, Inverell, Armidale, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Gwydir, Muswellbrook, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth and the Upper Hunter Shire Councils.11/27/2011 0:0012/4/2011 0:00-29.46429825149.84478761New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=588 589Disaster EventThe Admiral Gifford was a wooden two mast schooner with a cargo of maize and seven passengers. It was lost in a gale between Port Macquarie and Sydney on 8 October 1834 with all eight crew and passengers lost.  08/10/1834 00:00:0008/10/1834 00:00:00-31.42851639152.9370728151New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=589 590Disaster EventThe 'Fairwind' was a Royal Australian Navy motor vessel. It left Sydney for Port Moresby in June 1950 with four officers and 13 crew. It was last sighted near Smoky Cape then disappeared during a cyclone on approximately 27 June 1950. 6/27/1950 0:006/27/1950 0:00-30.93241501153.092071517New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=590 591Disaster EventFrom August to October 2011 approximately 345 fires occurred in Queensland over 42 local government areas. These areas included Baloone, Banana, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Bulloo, Bundaberg, Burdekin, Burke, Carpentaria, Cassowary Coast, Central Highlands, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Croydon Shire Council, Diamantina, Etheridge, Flinders, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gympie, Hinchinbrook, Isaac, Longreach, Mackay, Maranoa, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Murweh, North Burnett, Paroo, Richmond, Rockhampton, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Tablelands, Toowoomba, Townsville, Western Downs, Whitsunday and Winton. The most severely affected areas were farmland west of the Great Dividing Range in the southern half of the state, as well as some areas around Mount Morgan in central Queensland and Townsville, and Charters Towers in the north. In October 2011, Commonwealth financial assistance was made available to the Queensland Government through the NDRRA.8/1/2011 0:0010/31/2011 0:00-25.48295021151.2158203Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=591 592Disaster EventOn 20 February 1980 in the Mount Lofty Ranges, east of Adelaide there was a fire described as an early Ash Wednesday. This fire began two weeks prior in a rubbish dump south-south-east of Adelaide. It smouldered until 20 February when hot winds fanned the fire which burnt 8000 ha in one day. The fire destroyed 51 homes, the Anglican church at Longwood and 75 farms along with orchards and market gardens. The damage bill was estimated at more than $30 million. Court cases were held to ascertain who was responsible for this fire and they went on for over ten years. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1980 damage as $13 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $132 million.2/20/1980 0:002/20/1980 0:00-35.00764465138.70874021300000051175South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=592 593Disaster EventOn 15 December 2010 a boat carrying up to 100 asylum seekers mainly originating from Iraq and Iran crashed onto cliffs on the northern tip of Christmas Island. In the early morning hours when the vessel reached Christmas Island the engine stopped. Water began filling the engine room. A huge swell overcame the vessel and those on board either jumped or were thrown into the sea. The vessel that would be known as SIEV (Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel) 221 was wrecked at Rocky Point. Forty-one people were rescued by local residents and by the Navy on HMAS Pirie and ACV Triton. One man managed to climb the cliff face. At least two people were injured. The bodies of 30 people were recovered. A further 20 people are believed to have drowned at sea. An Inquest was undertaken by the Coroner. 12/15/2010 0:0012/15/2010 0:00-10.42231274105.66903692501Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=593 594Disaster EventA trough of low pressure developed over Victoria on 23 December, deepening further on 25 December, before progressing east on 26 December with a cold frontal push. On 25 December, thousands of homes were damaged when thunderstorms swept across Melbourne, bringing flash flooding and hail. The State Emergency Service received more than 4200 requests for assistance, most resulting from hail damage, wind damage and flash flooding through the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne. Severe thunderstorms first developed to the west of Melbourne, south-east of Ballan, at approximately 2.30 pm on Christmas Day. During the next seven hours up to five long-lived supercells (very severe long lasting thunderstorm cells) moved eastwards across the northern suburbs of Melbourne. The northern Melbourne suburbs of Eltham, Broadmeadows and Keilor were among the worst hit. There were reports of two tornadoes in Fiskville and Melton with some carsbeing upended. More than 50 volunteers arrived from interstate to help repair damaged homes. The State Government paid 220 emergency relief payments. An information centre was established in Keilor Downs to help residents who experienced storm damage. Representatives from the SES, Department of Human Services, Red Cross and the Salvation Army provided assistance to help residents who experienced storm damage. The Insurance Council of Australia declared the weather event as a catastrophe. It received up to 30,000 claims for damage to houses, businesses and motor vehicles. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the preliminary 2011 damage at $728.6 million.12/25/2011 0:0012/26/2011 0:00-37.71207047145.1486206728640000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=594 595Disaster EventOn 21 December 2011 a tropical low formed within an active monsoon trough over the Arafura Sea, north of the Top End in the Northern Territory. During 23-24 December, the tropical low began intensifying and at 3.30 am on Christmas Day the tropical low was named Tropical Cyclone Grant, approximately 60 km north of the Cobourg Peninsula. Tropical Cyclone Grant intensified to a category 2 tropical cyclone at 3.30 pm and made landfall on the Cobourg Peninsula at 9 pm. Tropical Cyclone Grant weakened rapidly once over land and was downgraded to below tropical cyclone intensity at 12.30 pm on 26 December, approximately 30 km north-west of Jabiru. The Cyclone reached a maximum sustained wind speed of 100 km per hour, a maximum wind gust of 140 km per hour and a lowest central pressure of 978 hPa. Grant caused torrential rainfall over parts of the Cobourg Peninsula and the adjacent north coast of the Arnhem district. Many trees were brought down in the community of Minjilang on the Cobourg Peninsula and the surrounding outstations and power supply was interrupted. Coastal erosion and minor flooding of low lying coastal areas was reported between the Cobourg Peninsula and Nhulunbuy due to spring tides, larger than usual swell and strong onshore monsoonal winds. Overnight on 26 December and during the early morning of 27 December heavy rainfall occurred over the Edith, Cullen and Fergusson River Catchments, including 385 mm at Edith River Falls in the 24 hours to 9 am on 27 December, resulting in flash flooding along those rivers. A rapid river rise damaged the Edith River railway bridge, causing a 20 wagon freight train to derail while crossing over it. The train was carrying 1500 tonnes of copper concentrate from OZ Minerals' Prominent Hill copper mine in South Australia when it derailed and up to 1200 tonnes of the substance spilled into the Edith River. The copper concentrate from Oz Minerals' mine contains less than 0.008 per cent of uranium, which equates to 96 kg in 1200 tonnes of copper concentrate. Northern Territory Environment Department Chief Executive Jim Grant said copper concentrate is an environmental hazard and a threat to aquatic life, but that although it contains arsenic and silica it is not rated as highly toxic. The two drivers of the crash were airlifted to Katherine for treatment of minor injuries and the 200 passengers on board were temporarily stranded. Significant damage was also made to the Stuart Highway rendering it impassable for two to three days. Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) assistance was made available for the Local Government Areas of West Arnhem Shire, East Arnhem Shire, Katherine Municipality, Roper Gulf Shire, and Victoria Daly Shire.12/25/2011 0:0012/27/2011 0:00-11.31848145132.257537821Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=595 596Disaster EventThe submarine I-124 was a Japanese mine laying war submarine responsible for the destruction of several Allied ships off the Australian coast. The I-124 was being pursued by three Australian and United States corvettes, and was eventually destroyed by a torpedo from HMAS Deloraine on 20 January 1942 at approximately 1.46 pm. The submarine sunk in Clarence Strait, approximately 130 nautical miles from Darwin. The exact number of people on board at the time is unclear but one source suggests the I-124 had a complement of 75 who all died when the submarine sunk.  The I-124 was the first IJN warship sunk by the Royal Australian Navy. 1/20/1942 0:001/20/1942 0:00-12.24339199130.0341797751Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=596 597Disaster EventThe Macumba was a 2526 ton steel single screw steamer, en route to Darwin from Brisbane on 6 August 1943 when it was attacked by a Japanese float plane. The attack sunk the ship, causing the deaths of three people on board and injuring five. The Macumba was in the Arafura Sea, north of Arnhem Land, completing its Thursday Island - Darwin leg of the trip at the time of attack.8/6/1943 0:008/6/1943 0:00-8.276726723136.1425781531Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=597 598Disaster EventOn 24 December 1974 the Mandorah Queen, a 22 m passenger vessel, was lost in Cyclone Tracy with three crew members on board. There were no survivors. The wreck was discovered in April 1981 and is protected under the Commonwealth Historic Ships Act 1976.12/24/1974 0:0012/24/1974 0:00-12.1843338130.231933631Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=598 599Disaster EventThe Booya was a 35.8 m, three masted steel trading vessel that disappeared due to Cyclone Tracy on 24 December 1974. It reportedly left port to ride out the storm with five crew on board; four men and one woman, all of whom perished. The wreck of the 255 tonne schooner was discovered in 2003 fully intact. It is now a protected shipwreck under the Northern Territory's Heritage Conservation Act 1991.12/24/1974 0:0012/24/1974 0:00-12.47588444130.851074251Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=599 600Disaster EventThe HMS Pelorus was an 18 gun brig-sloop, weighing 385 tonnes. She was wrecked in November 1839 in a cyclone and twelve lives were lost. The survivors were rescued by HMS Britomart.25/11/1839 00:00:0025/11/1839 00:00:00-12.38108444130.8186646121Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=600 601Disaster EventA cyclone in Darwin from 29 November - 3 December caused the lugger La Grange to wreck, killing all ten crew on board. An unidentified barge was also lost in December as a result of the cyclone, causing the deaths of two crewmen.12/1/1948 0:0012/1/1948 0:00-12.46406746130.8306885122Northern Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=601 602Disaster EventFrom Friday 30 December 2011 to 4 January 2012 South Australia and Victoria endured extreme temperatures. On 1 January 2012 Adelaide recorded its hottest New Year's Day since 1900 with a maximum temperature of 41.6 º C. On 2 January Mount Gambier reached a maximum of 41.7 º C and Renmark hit 42.3 º C. These temperatures prompted a South Australian power company to cut electricity supplies to approximately 3300 properties on the Fleurieu Peninsula on 2 January. On 2 January Victoria recorded temperatures in the forties, with Melbourne reaching 40 º C and Dartmoor in the south-west recording the state’s maximum of 43 º C. Victoria's ambulance service treated 45 patients for heat-related illnesses, including four cases of children left in cars. A 30 per cent increase in fainting episodes was experienced. A spokesman for Life Saving Victoria reported 163 rescues occurred during the period 31 December to 2 January. Approximately 450 people in Melbourne's outer west suburb of Sunbury were without power when a power kiosk failed to cope with the increased demand. A replacement kiosk was installed but caught fire soon after. A spokesman for the power company said an increase in consumption is believed to have caused the original outage. In some regions on 2 January the temperature reached 40 º C, the wind speed was 50 km per hour and the relative humidity was at 21 per cent; creating extreme fire conditions. The Victorian Country Fire Authority responded to 200 fires throughout the state, including 21 grass fires. The worst fires were in the state's south-west, with the largest blaze in Koroit, which spread over 15 ha and took 15 crews and two aircraft to control. A total fire ban was issued across most of Victoria and South Australia. A severe fire warning was given to the central district and Victoria's north-western regions and the Country Fire Service ordered a total fire ban in 13 of the state's 15 districts.12/30/2011 0:001/4/2012 0:00-34.12544632140.976562545South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=602 603Disaster EventThe 6 February 1938 was a particularly hot day that attracted approximately 35,000 people to Bondi beach, Sydney. The surf was rough, with a record of 74 people pulled from the waves before lunch. In the early afternoon the temperature was approximately 40 º C and there were almost 750 bathers in the water. Three 'dumpers' or large waves fell upon the beach, pushing water 30 m up the sand and causing a huge rip as it receded. Many of the swimmers were caught in the rip, unable to return to shore. There were 60 lifesavers on the beach at the time, and in approximately 20 minutes they rescued 245 people; Australia's largest rescue operation. Medical centres were set up on the sand, and approximately 60 people were rescued from immersion and 35 revived from an unconscious state. However five people died, and the Coroner found the cause to be accidental drowning.2/6/1938 0:002/6/1938 0:00-33.89019012151.274231955New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=603 604Disaster EventThe Greycliffe was a 38 m wooden double-ended harbour ferry. It departed from Circular Quay, Sydney harbour for Watsons Bay at 4.15 pm on 3 November 1927 with an estimated 120 passengers on board. At approximately 4.45 pm the Greycliffe veered to port, not realising that the 140 m, 7700 ton luxury passenger liner and mail ship RMS Tahiti was 100 m behind it. The Tahiti was travelling at a speed of 12 knots, and with such a small distance between the two vessels it was too late for the Tahiti to change direction or stop. The Tahiti collided with the Greycliffe, rolling it over and cleaving it in two. The superstructure collapsed and many were killed by the hull and propellers as they ploughed through the ferry. The Greycliffe's boiler imploded on contact with the cold water and the ship began to sink. Many went down with it. The collision caused the deaths of 40 people, including six children returning home from school. On 8 January 1928 the Court of Marine Inquiry found the captain on the Tahiti responsible for the collision due to failure to observe harbour regulations and travelling approximately four knots over the speed limit. He was suspended from service. The Coronial Inquiry, conducted concurrently with the Court of marine Inquiry, however found both captains negligent but not criminally so. The Admiralty Court found that the major initiator of the incident was the turn of the Greycliffe without warning, observation or care. The court found that both parties were negligent but the Greycliffe held three fifths of the negligence as its turn was greater than reasonable or necessary. On March 1990 an appeal in the Full Court upheld the decision of the Admiralty Court, however giving more negligence to the Captain of the Greycliffe with two thirds responsibility. No consensus was formed over the cause of the collision.11/3/1927 0:0011/3/1927 0:00-33.85609055151.2471466401New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=604 605Disaster EventA cyclone occurred on 26 March 1935 to the north of Broome, resulting in huge seas which devastated a pearling fleet at the Lacepede Islands and caused the deaths of 141 people. Broome and other parts of the north-west coast were affected by the cyclone, one house was destroyed and four hotels were damaged. The power system failed and trees were blown down but there was very little rain.3/26/1935 0:003/26/1935 0:00-16.85974884122.1707153141Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=605 606Disaster EventOn 29 January 2001 a busload of school students collided with a truck at Nurjootpa. The driver of the bus died and up to 26 students were injured, three seriously. 1/29/2001 0:001/29/2001 0:00-34.472175138.99662261South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=606 607Disaster EventOn 24 October 2002, the passenger train 5AL8 collided with a car and a bus on the Salisbury Interchange controlled level crossing on Park Terrace Adelaide. As the train approached the level crossing, the driver and co-driver saw stationary vehicles across the track. The train driver sounded the warning horn and applied the emergency brakes. Two cars were able to reverse clear of the track. However, a small sedan and the bus were unable to move because of other vehicles, though the driver of the sedan managed to jump out of the car and run to safety.  As a result of the accident four people were killed and 26 injured. The small sedan, car and bus were destroyed. In addition, two other vehicles were damaged. The locomotive and the first vehicle sustained minor damage. There was no derailment the of the rail vehicles.10/24/2002 0:0010/24/2002 0:00-34.76373672138.6423645264South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=607 608Disaster EventOn 22 January 1991 at 7 pm a damaging hail storm occurred in Adelaide; at the time it was one of the most severe storms on record. Hailstones reached 10 cm in diameter, causing damage to motor vehicles, roof tiles and windows resulting in water damage to many houses. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $30 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $112 million.1/22/1991 0:001/22/1991 0:00-34.9287262138.599945130000000South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=608 609Disaster EventThe 1956 River Murray flood was the largest flood ever recorded in South Australia at that time. Previous floods of 1917, 1931 and the floods of the nineteenth century were large, but nothing of this magnitude. In 1956 heavy rains in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria eventually caused exceptional flooding along the length of the Murray River in South Australia. Riverside towns and farms were inundated and in some places floodwaters were many km wide. Approximately 800 homes and holiday houses were flooded and orchards and crops were destroyed, in some cases taking the agricultural industry years to recover. While the flood peak was reached in late August, some places remained under water for six months. (While this event does not strictly meet database criteria, given the floods significance it is important that is documented). 6/8/1956 0:0012/1/1956 0:00-34.91437912139.3115845South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=609 610Disaster EventA heatwave occurred in South Australia in January 1960 which saw temperatures exceeding 45 °C in the north of the State from 31 December to 3 January. On 2 January, Oodnadatta reached a state record - and arguably an Australian record of 50.7 °C. The minimum that day was 34.6 °C. The temperature again reached the low 40s on 6-8 and 10 January. There were several deaths in the 1960 heat wave: five infants and eight adults died. Other people were admitted to hospital with heat exhaustion, including 18 in Broken Hill.12/31/1959 0:001/3/1960 0:00-27.51801491135.433961813South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=610 612Disaster EventThe combination of a high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea and a trough over Queensland directed moist east to north-easterly winds across New South Wales. This generated patchy rain areas and isolated thunderstorms and heavy rain over the north of the state. Minor to major flood warnings were issued for communities on the Mid North, Coffs Harbour and North Coast of New South Wales. There were reports of 300 mm falling in the space of three days in areas of the Bellinger River Valley and the Orara River catchment. More than 2000 people were isolated by the rising floodwaters, with a number of road closures such as at the Pacific Highway and a caravan park in a low lying area evacuated. From the 24 - 25 January New South Wales received almost 340 mm of rain. Overnight on the 24 January, the Tweed Valley saw heavy falls with 86 mm of rain at Couchy Creek, 100 mm at Numinbah and 100 mm at Bald Mountain. Residents were isolated in the towns of Darkwood, near Coffs Harbour, the Thora and Kalang Valleys, and in Bellingen, on the Mid North Coast, where the flooded Bellinger River cut the town in two. More than a dozen homes and businesses in Bellingen were inundated. The Bellinger River at the Bellingen Bridge peaked at around 7 m, short of the 8.2 m that constitutes major flooding. A landslide and waterfalls blocked the Waterfall Way between Dorrigo and Bellingen. Bellingen received 180 mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9 am on 27 January. During this time the State Emergency Services received more than 1000 calls for assistance and over 50 flood rescues occurred. By the beginning of February more than 16,500 people across the state were isolated, with the worst areas being Gunnedah and Wee Waa. Twenty-seven aircraft worked to supply those areas isolated. On 5 February the Namoi River peaked at over 8 m in Gunnedah and the Mehi River near Moree reached more than 10.6 m, similar to the height reached in 1976 floods. Approximately 300 homes in Moree were inundated, and 1600 people were evacuated. The concern became from floodwaters from Queensland moving downstream to northern areas of New South Wales such as Mungindi, Walgett, Bourke, Collarenebri and Brewarrina. On 9 February, heavy rains caused flash flooding across western Sydney and the Illawarra, with the SES receiving approximately 450 calls for assistance. On 20 February a similar event occurred with flash flooding across Sydney and the Illawarra prompting more than 300 requests for assistance to the SES. Terry Hills recorded 61 mm in an hour and Peakhurst recorded 26 mm in just ten minutes. Other suburbs affected included Banksia, Rockdale, Padstow Heights, Sylvania, Five Dock and Rosebery. Up to 8000 people remained isolated for weeks in the north-west, receiving approximately 50 ton of daily deliveries such as medication, mail and food. Heavy rains from the end of February to the beginning of March saw more than 75 per cent of New South Wales under water or threatened by floodwaters. Twenty-four hour rainfall totals to 9 am on 1 March reached up to 123 mm in Coolamon, 84 mm in Cootamundra, 83 mm in Broken Hill and widespread falls between 30 - 80 mm in the Illawarra district. Over 1700 people from the four towns of Bega, Eastgrove in Goulburn, Cooma and south-west Cowra were evacuated on 1-2 March. Sydney's Warragamba Dam spilt at approx 6.53 pm on 2 March for the first time since 1998, causing authorities to cut power to 160 homes. The spillage prompted the evacuation of 1900 people from the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley area.The town of Pooncarie in western New South Wales received approximately 174 mm of rain and Ivanhoe 154 mm for the 48 hours to 9 am on Thursday, breaking two-day rainfall records. In Towamba approximately 367 people were isolated following the closure of the Princes Highway. The SES responded to more than 740 requests for help as the large, slow-moving trough set in.  Approximately 4600 people across the state were subject to evacuation orders and 2500 people were isolated, mostly on rural properties. Approximately 9000 people were evacuated from Wagga Wagga and a state of emergency was declared as the town's flood levee was tested by a peak of 10.6 m on 6 March, risking inundation of more than 3000 properties. Evacuations continued throughout the first week of March with approximately 236 people door knocked in the Lachlan River area, 600 people ordered to evacuate in Griffith, and flood evacuation orders issued for Forbes, Flowerdale, Urana, Barellan, Yenda, North Wagga, Gillenbah and parts of Gumly Gumly. The town of Forbes was cut in three by floodwaters, inundating dozens of businesses and homes in the CBD.More than 400,000 sandbags were distributed across New South Wales to protect communities from floodwaters. The New South Wales Government declared 63 natural disaster zones during the February/March floods for the Albury, Balranald, Bathurst, Bega Valley, Berrigan, Bland Shire, Blacktown, Blayney, Bogan, Bombala, Boorowa, Broken Hill, Cobar, Cabonne, Carrathool, Central Darling, Conargo, Coolamon, Cooma-Monaro, Cootamundra, Corowa, Cowra, Forbes, Goulburn, Greater Hume, Griffith, Gundagai, Harden, Hawkesbury, The Hills, Hay, Jerilderie, Junee, Lachlan, Leeton, Lithgow, Lockhart, Mid-western, Murray, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Narromine, Oberon, Palerang, Parkes, Penrith, Queanbeyan, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Snowy River, Temora, Tumbarumba ,Tumut, Mid Western Regional, Unincorporated Area of NSW, Upper Hunter, Upper Lachlan, Urana, Wagga Wagga, Weddin, Wentworth, Wollongong, Yass and Young local government areas. Approximately 30 towns across the state's north-east were inundated, leaving 1000 properties isolated. Almost 2000 homes were flooded and more than 17,000 people requested emergency assistance. On 12 March the Insurance Council of Australia stated that insurers had already received claims totalling more than $64 million from flood-affected homeowners in Victoria and New South Wales. Insurers received 8,200 claims across the declared catastrophe zone. On 31 January one person drowned when they attempted to drive through floodwaters 1.6 m deep. On 4 March one person died and two others were admitted to hospital with hypothermia and severe bruising after their four wheel drive was caught in a swollen causeway near Braidwood in the Southern Tablelands. On 9 March one person was found dead in floodwaters north of Bourke, and their vehicle partially submerged in a causeway. To date the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments total approximately $17,256,000 allocated to 14,834 claimants  affected in the northern part of the state and $29,991,000 was allocated to pay over 28,860 claimants affected by flood in the southern New South Wales region.   The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2012 damage at $108.2 million which incorporated figures for both New South Wales and Victoria. Further information will be provided when available.1/24/2012 0:003/13/2012 0:00-30.29301643153.1159363310821200047247000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=612 613Disaster EventFrom 24 January 2012, south-east Queensland experienced very high rainfall across the region with totals up to 200 mm recorded in a 24 hour period.  Floods occurred in some areas and homes were evacuated, power outages occurred and several roads were closed as the heavy rain continued. The State Emergency Service (SES) received approximately 500 requests for assistance between midnight and 4 pm across south-east Queensland. The SES efforts focused on the north side of Brisbane, in Boondall, Zillmere, Herston and Aspley. Most requests for assistance were for minor damage to properties and general and storm damage. On 24 January, evacuation centres were opened at Narangba and Deception Bay, north of Brisbane. Twelve homes were evacuated as a precaution at Burpengary, north of Brisbane, and another dozen homes were flooded further north on the Sunshine Coast. Power was cut to approximately 9500 homes and businesses across the south-east. Overnight Upper Springbrook recorded some of the heaviest rain falls, with 193 mm in the 12 hours to 6 am. Lower Springbrook recorded 173 mm, Upper Tallebudgera 142 mm and 127 mm at Mt Tamborine. Brisbane city and suburbs had between 80 and 120 mm of rain and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast recorded 271 mm in just ten hours. Thirteen dams across south-east Queensland began spilling water to cope with the deluge, which included 220 mm falls over 30 hours in some parts. Council run Australia Day events planned for the Moreton Bay Region and for the Gold Coast's Evandale Parklands were forced to cancel due to the heavy rain. The State Emergency Services received more than 650 calls for assistance on the morning of 27 January. On 3 February a state of emergency was declared in Mitchell and approximately a quarter of the population was evacuated.. The Queensland Government requested assistance from the Australian Defence Force to provide aerial support and aid evacuations. The Maranoa River reached 9.85 m, breaking its 1956 record peak of 9.26 m. Almost half the population took refuge in a sports complex and when the flood threatened to isolate the complex helicopters were sent in to air-lift people to safety. By 4 February the Warrego River in Charleville reached 7.7 m and over 280 homes were inundated when floodwaters in Roma peaked at 8.35 m. Approximately 50 per cent of homes experienced some form of inundation. More than 700 homes or businesses in the region needed assistance, and more than 440 were damaged with approximately 288 properties affected in Mitchell and 290 affected in Roma. One hundred and twenty Australian Defence Force soldiers assisted with the clean up in these regions. On 5 February mandatory evacuations were ordered for St George after it was predicted the Balonne River would peak at up to 15 m. With more than 2600 people from a population of 3000 evacuated, it was Queensland’s largest evacuation in history. The Balonne River in St George passed its previous record of 13.48 m, peaking at 13.93 m, but the township remained protected by its 14.5 m levee with damage restricted to the 50 homes. St George also faced pollution problems as floodwaters damaged the local sewerage treatment plant, posing a major public health risk. At the beginning of March, a category one cyclone off the south-east coast caused further flooding and six evacuation centres were opened across the coast to assist evacuated and displaced people. The National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) identified the Local Government Areas of Aurukun, Burdekin, Burke, Cairns, Carpentaria, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Cook, Doomadgee, Hinchinbrook, Kowanyama, Mackay, Mapoon, Mornington, Napranum, Northern Peninsula, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw, Tablelands, Townsville City, Torres Strait Islands and Yarrabah as natural disaster zones. To date the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments total approximately $11,749,000 allocated to 10,293 claimants. On 3 January one person died when their car was swept off a causeway into floodwaters in Roma. Another person died on 5 March after being swept away by waters near Gympie, north of Brisbane. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the preliminary 2012 damage at $124.7 million. Further information will be provided when available.    1/24/2012 0:003/13/2012 0:00-23.51173782148.1609344212468800011749000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=613 614Disaster EventThe Mineral Diamond was a steel bulk carrier. It disappeared with a crew of 27 between Dampier and Cape Town in mid April 1991. It may have been caught on the edge of Cyclone Fifi and foundered in a force ten gale approximately 1500 nautical miles off the Western Australian coast.4/15/1991 0:004/15/1991 0:00-31.65338174.88281327Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=614 615Disaster EventHeavy rain began in Victoria on 26 February 2012. A severe weather warning for flash flooding was issued for most of the state, including the South West, North Central, Northern Country, Wimmera, Mallee, Central, West and South Gippsland and North-East forecast districts. The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 650 calls for help across the state on the last days of February following heavy rain and thunderstorms. There was flash flooding and minor building damage across the state after rainfalls of between 50 and 100 mm. In towns such as Seymour there was 120 mm of rain causing flash flooding and road closures. Shops in the main street of Chiltern were flooded after 94 mm of rain fell. The Goulburn Valley Highway was closed north of Seymour due to rainfall. Broken Weir near Benalla recorded the highest rainfall with 167 mm. Castlemaine received 50 mm of rain in a 90 minute period. Police said 11 homes and six shops were flooded. State Emergency Service (SES) crews were also kept busy dealing with flash flooding at Yarrawonga, Cobram and Shepparton. In addition they had over 350 calls for help in Melbourne, with the hardest hit areas including Brimbank, Doncaster, Emerald and Malvern. There were 89 calls for help in the Ballarat area when storms dumped almost 60 mm of rain. The Daylesford Hospital had some minor flooding, and streets and at least one building were flooded in the area. On 1 March 2012, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rain for residents in the Northern Country, East Gippsland and North East forecast districts. Broken Creek broke its banks and flooded the town of Numurkah, north of Shepparton. Numurkah Base Hospital and the adjoining Karinya Nursing Home both experienced flooding, with patients and residents evacuated. Flood waters peaked on 5 March and slowly receded with a State Emergency Service spokeswoman saying it would take at least a week for the water to recede completely. Approximately 40 homes and businesses were damaged. The hospital was later delared unsalvagable and limited services resumed from a temporary tent facility, followed by longstanding portables. Locals and the SES in Nathalia constructed a temporary metal levee with thousands of sandbags, 750 m in length along the banks of Broken Creek, in an attempt to protect the town. Nathalia's temporary levee was purchased after floods hit the town in 1993; it has not been used until this event and it supplements a permanent levee around much of the Nathalia stretch of Broken Creek. Notwithstanding the levee the SES still issued an evacuation order for the town of Nathalia as some doubt existed as to the levees ability to contain the flood waters. Flooding of Broken Creek, which flanks Nathalia, peaked on 9 March at 3.25 m. The town's evacuation notice was lifted 15 March 2012 and the metal levee dismantled on 20 March 2012. To date the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments total approximately $7,773,000 allocated to 6897 claimants. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2012 damage at $108.2 million which incorporated figures for both New South Wales and Victoria.2/26/2012 0:003/15/2012 0:00-36.12789154141.99279791082120007773000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=615 616Disaster EventCyclone Herbie occurred 21 May 1988 in the Carnarvon and Denham area rapidly accelerating to the south-east at speeds reaching 75 km per hour before passing over Denham in the early morning. The cyclone caused structural damage along the coast from Carnarvon to Denham along with damage to banana plantations at Carnarvon and the grounding of a 30,000 ton freighter, the Korean Star, near Cape Cuvier. A storm surge of around 2 m occurred at Denham, inundating the foreshore. Several fishing vessels were stranded along the main street when water levels subsided. As the cyclone moved inland, severe dust storms occurred on its northern side, while by contrast rainfall totals greater than 100 mm caused flooding. The Greenough and Irwin Rivers burst their banks flooding houses, especially in Dongara. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1988 damage at $20 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $117 million.5/21/1988 0:005/22/1988 0:00-24.88456726113.629188520000000Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=616 617Disaster EventIn the summer of 1907 - 1908 it is estimated that 246 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/1/1907 0:002/28/1908 0:00-27.47077179153.0236359246Northern Territory;Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=617 618Disaster EventIn the summer of 1895 - 1896 it is estimated that 431 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.01/12/1895 00:00:0028/02/1896 00:00:00-32.2499733147.3815918431Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=618 619Disaster EventIn the summer of 1913 - 1914 it is estimated that 122 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/1/1913 0:002/28/1914 0:00-30.47708321136.9116211122Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=619 620Disaster EventIn the summer of 1920 - 1921 it is estimated that 147 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/1/1920 0:002/28/1921 0:00-34.63772964143.5528564147Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=620 621Disaster EventIn the summer of 1938 - 1939 it is estimated that 438 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/1/1938 0:002/28/1939 0:00-37.80978394144.9536133438Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=621 622Disaster EventIn the summer of 1939 - 1940 it is estimated that 112 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/1/1939 0:002/28/1940 0:00-23.55391693148.1561279112Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=622 623Disaster EventIn the summer of 1959 - 1960 it is estimated that 98 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/1/1959 0:002/28/1960 0:00-27.47103882153.023193498Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=623 624Disaster EventIn the summer of 1972 - 1973 it is estimated that 99 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/1/1972 0:002/28/1973 0:00-34.20612335142.136138999Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=624 625Disaster EventIn the summer of 1926 - 1927 it is estimated that 130 people died as a result of a heatwave. Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact, but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts). It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.12/1/1926 0:002/28/1927 0:00-33.87330246151.2070618130Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmania;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=625 626Disaster EventOn 30 June 1948, the C38 class locomotive 3817 derailed at Rocky Ponds, near Harden. The engine was in charge of the South-West Mail Train and at approximately 5 am, it and seven of its nine carriages came off the line at a curve. Four people from the first carriage behind the engine were killed and a further 18 were injured. It was believed that the derailment was caused by a break in the line. The speed at the time was only 64 km per hour, which was under the speed limit. An inquest found the deaths to be accidental. 6/30/1948 0:006/30/1948 0:00-34.54486465148.36770631847New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=626 627Disaster EventOn 8 January 2003, a combination of extreme weather conditions (high temperatures of above 37 ºC, low humidity, lightning strikes and strong gusty winds) caused multiple bushfires to break out in the Kosciuszko and Namadgi National parks surrounding Canberra. On 18 January, two fire fronts combined to create a 25 km fire front and wind gusts of up to 65 km per hour propelled the fire towards Canberra. The Chief Minister declared a state of emergency at 2.45 pm and the firestorm hit the outer streets of Duffy at approximately 3 pm, and soon reached the suburbs of Rivett, Chapman, Kambah, Higgins, Hawker and Cook. Four people were killed by the fires, more than 435 people were injured and there were 5000 evacuations. Approximately 160,000 hectares were burnt which equated to almost 70 per cent of the ACT's pasture, forests and nature parks including Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and all government pine forest west of the Murrumbidgee River Stromlo pine plantation. There were approximately 488 houses destroyed and many more were damaged. The Chief Minister and Cabinet Inquiry into the Operational Response to the January 2003 bushfires made 61 recommendations. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2003 damage at $350 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $660 million.1/18/2003 0:001/19/2003 0:00-35.34656525149.0356754354350000000488Australian Capital Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=627 628Disaster EventOn 11 August 2009, an Airlines PNG Twin Otter charter flight crashed into the side of a hill when it was en route to Kokoda killing all 13 people on board. The nine Australians who died in the accident had planned to walk the Kokoda Track, while the others killed included the two Papua New Guinean pilots, a Papua New Guinean passenger and a Japanese tourist. The plane crashed at approximately 11.14 am, barely 20 minutes after it took off from Port Moresby's International Airport.8/11/2009 0:008/11/2009 0:00-9.112944603147.99133313Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=628 629Disaster EventOn 22 February 2011 a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch shortly before 12.50 pm at a shallow depth of 4 km. Several aftershocks were reported some registering at 5.6 magnitude. This was the second major earthquake to hit the city, the previous earthquake occurred on the 4 September 2010 registering at 7.1 magnitude. The city was busy with many people on the street at lunchtime. The disaster caused 185 deaths, major injuries (estimated to be 6659 in the first 24 hours) and extensive damage to infrastructure and buildings. Civil defence declared a Category 3 emergency, the highest possible for a regional disaster. The earthquake caused extensive damage across the city including a preliminary figure of 10,000 homes to be rebuilt, multiple building collapses, 3500 homes to be demolished (from the September 2010 earthquake), burst water mains, flooding and liquefaction in the city, power outages across the city, cracks in many roads, port damage, restricted use of the Christchurch airport (open only for emergencies), closing schools, and stranding 4500 vehicles in the city centre during the recovery period. Eight thousand Australians were registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs Australia as being in the Canterbury region during this period, with 350 in Christchurch. One Australian was among the confirmed 185 who died in the earthquake. During the rescue effort 600 Australian emergency services workers including, police, search and rescue, medical and forensic experts assisted with the recovery efforts.2/22/2011 0:002/22/2011 0:00-43.52465439172.638473566591853700000001000003500Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=629 2029Disaster EventCommencing 4 June 2012, up to 200 mm of rain fell in eastern Victoria, breaking daily rainfall records for June at 23 locations across the state, mainly Gippsland. Many Gippsland locations received a month's rainfall in one day. Up to 100 residents in low-lying parts of Traralgon evacuated their homes when the Traralgon Creek flooded, 45 homes were flooded. The main road through the region, the Princes Highway, was closed between Rosedale and Traralgon and also east of Orbost due to flood. Wind gusts of up to 150 km per hour brought down trees and blocked parts of the South Gippsland and Monaro highways. Major flood warnings were issued for the Avon, Macalister, Mitchell, Thomson, Tanjil and Buchan Rivers and the Traralgon Creek. The Yallourn coal mine flooded when the Morwell River burst its banks on early June impacting on coal conveyers and therefore the operation of electricity generators. The operator TRUenergy announced it should be able to restore three of the plant's four generators by the end of June. The State Emergency Service received 1200 requests for assistance across the state including 450 calls for trees that had fallen and blocked traffic. Early estimates of flood damage are being assessed, but damage to council infrastructure alone is expected to exceed $10 million. The Department of Human Services paid out Government grants totaling $125,000 to flood-affected residents. The Victorian Governments Deputy Premier Peter Ryan announced emergency flood assistance grants. Adults are entitled to $480 and children $240, up to a total of $1200. A media release by the then Federal Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon on 28 June 2012 stated that Victorians affected by flooding in South-Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne and West Gippsland on 22-24 June 2012 would be able to get financial assistance in the five local government areas of Baw Baw, Bass Coast, Cardinia, Latrobe and South Gippsland. By 22 June water levels were beginning to recede and it was expected to take months for a full recovery to occur.Insurance cost is currently unavailable and will be provided later. Image: Air Observer David Young, Department of Sustainability & Environment6/4/2012 15:486/22/2012 15:48-38.20797348146.7443848Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=2029 2118Disaster EventSouthern Western Australia experienced a number of widespread storms over a week commencing with a tornado hitting the Perth suburbs of Dianella and Morley on 7 June 2012. The tornado uprooted trees, brought down power lines, and lifted roofs from buildings. Reportedly the tornado only lasted approximately 10 minutes, but the winds up to 125 km per hour caused damage expected to be worth millions of dollars. A further storm hit 10 June with winds of up to 140 km per hour lashing the south-west. Hundreds of power lines, street light wires and service wires came down in the storm. Some residents were warned they maybe without electricity for up to a week after more than 110,000 homes were affected. The weather bureau described the storm as a 'once in a decade' event. In Bunbury, cars, buildings and infrastructure were damaged. Residents reported damage to houses, downed power lines, and debris spread across roads. The State Emergency Service received hundreds of calls for help, mostly for damaged roofs and powerlines. A man died after falling from a storm damaged roof south of Perth. On 12 June, a third severe storm hit southern Western Australia in a week. Winds up to 113 km per hour, thunder and heavy rain caused power outages to 34,000 properties throughout the state. The storm hit the Perth metropolitan area at approximately 9.30 pm (AWST), bringing wind gusts of 107 km per hour as well as heavy rain and thunder for most of the night. The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) answered more than 118 calls for help. There was no major damage from the third storm. Insurance cost will be provided when available.6/7/2012 15:136/13/2012 15:13-31.95048714115.85700991Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=2118 2182Disaster EventOn 27 June 2012, a boat carrying approximately 134 asylum seekers capsized 107 nautical miles north of Christmas Island en route to Australia. The boat’s crew issued a distress call at 6.20 am. The Australian Maritime and Safety Authority responded and coordinated the search and rescue operation in Indonesian waters. Merchant vessels arrived first followed by the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Maitland and HMAS Leeuwin. A RAAF P-3 Orion aeroplane also attended. Based on information provided by the 130 survivors, it is believed that there were 134 people on board, one body was recovered and three people were presumed drowned.6/27/2012 15:026/27/2012 15:02-10.32133675105.61019941Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=2182 2184Disaster EventOn 16 April 2009, Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel 36 (SIEV 36), exploded and sank near Ashmore Island after being detained by Australian Border Protection personnel. Five people died and dozens sustained injuries and burns. Medical evacuations occurred to Australia for hospital treatment of the injured.  In brief, the Coroner’s report into this incident concluded the explosion was caused by a passenger or passengers deliberately igniting petrol that was spilt into the bilge when a group of passengers mistakenly believed they were to be returned to Indonesia. The passengers planned to set fire to SIEV 36 to cripple it and ensure that they could not be returned. The Coroner found at least three passengers were involved in the plan to set fire to the vessel.4/16/2009 0:004/16/2009 0:00-11.6952734125.90332032451Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=2184 2185Disaster EventOn 21 October 2001, an overloaded asylum seeker boat under control of a people smuggler later became known as Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel unknown (SIEV X), sank en route from Indonesia to Christmas Island. Three hundred and fifty-three people drowned and 45 survived after being rescued by Indonesian fishing boats. SIEV X had been sailing for over 24 hours when it sank. A Senate Committee Inquiry was held into the sinking of SIEV X.  The Committee addressed the question whether or not Australian authorities had sufficient intelligence to launch a search and rescue operation either prior to or immediately after the vessel foundered.In summary, the Committee found that there had recently been reports of large increases in the numbers of asylum seeking boats leaving Indonesia for Australia which resulted in increased intelligence to monitor and analyse. Additionally intelligence analysts had trouble deciphering the legitimacy of such intelligence due to unreliable sources, uneven quality and often contradictory details that were difficult to corroborate.  This led to wariness to make decisions based on unsubstantiated information. The Senate Committee found that the quality and detail of information and intelligence available to the authorities was insufficient to have warranted the launching of a specific search and rescue operation and therefore could not find grounds for claims of negligence or dereliction of duty in relation to SIEV X. However the Committee was surprised that such an event could go unnoticed in an area where Australian surveillance operations were underway until three days after the event.10/19/2001 15:5010/19/2001 15:50-9.514079094106.105957453531Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=2185 2186Disaster EventOn 21 June 2012, approximately 200 asylum seekers were onboard a crowded Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel (SIEV) that was en route from Java to Australia when it capsized approximately halfway between Indonesia and Christmas Island. The boat sank in Indonesian waters. The Indonesian Government coordinated the rescue effort with assistance from The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Wollongong and HMAS Larrakia and three nearby merchant ships. Indonesia's national search and rescue agency reported that rough conditions made rescue efforts very difficult. Rescue planes and ships continued searching the waters 100 nautical miles north of Christmas Island the following day until no more survivors could be found. There were 110 survivors including two crew members who were taken to Christmas Island where they were treated for shock and exposure. While exact numbers are unknown, according to the coroner's report more than 100 people died.  6/21/2012 16:146/21/2012 16:14-9.102096558106.30371090110100Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=2186 2799Disaster EventOn 27 September 1996 a landslide occurred at Cowaramup Bay near Gracetown, in the south-west of Western Australia. Approximately 30 tonnes of rock and sand fell from a limestone cliff onto people situated below who were spectators at a school surf carnival. Nine people were killed and a further three injured.9/27/1996 14:509/27/1996 14:50-33.85794449114.984199539Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=2799 2954Disaster EventIn September 1973, a tour bus travelling through the Snowy Mountains crashed en route to the Tumut Ponds Dam. The bus rolled over several times before crashing over a dam wall into the cold waters of the reservoir located approximately 300 miles south of Sydney. Overall 18 people died and 21 were injured. 9/1/1973 14:279/1/1973 14:27-35.96446228148.409164421181New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=2954 3098Disaster EventOn 8 September 2003, a tourist coach carrying 46 Australian passengers went off the road in the Scottish Highlands and overturned after hitting a ditch two to three miles north of Syre, 12 miles south of Bettyhill, in Sutherland. Four tourists were seriously injured and more than 20 others were hospitalised.The tourists, mostly from Armidale New South Wales, were on a 32 day eco-tour of north-western England and Scotland organised by Euroview Coaches of Dereham. Representatives from the Australian High Commission arrived on the scene the following day.9/8/2003 9:309/8/2003 9:3058.36400604-4.23677396824Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3098 3099Disaster EventOn 10 March 1946, an Australian National Airways DC-3 airliner crashed into the sea off Seven Mile Beach, Tasmania shortly after taking off from Cambridge aerodrome en route to Essendon. All 21 passengers and four crew were killed. The Coroner, Mr G Sorrell found that approximately two minutes after take-off from Cambridge at a height of approximately 400 ft, the aircraft was seen to turn slightly and crash downwards into the waters of Frederick Henry Bay near Seven Mile Beach. The force of the impact shattered the plane, and all occupants received severe injuries leading to their deaths.3/10/1946 9:423/10/1946 9:42-42.85356903147.5062256251http://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3099 3100Disaster EventRainfall occurring from 14 February 1863 resulted in the Macleay River rising quickly and by 16 February the water level was 19-20 ft above its ordinary level at East Kempsey. Large trees, driftwood and debris rushed down the river and inundated crops, sheds and residences, isolating many homes. Twelve people fled the area in a boat and nine subsequently drowned.   On 23 February, further north in the ranges between Queensland and New South Wales, torrential rain brought huge volumes of water down into the Clarence River. The police barracks at Tabulam were completely submerged then washed away. A local policeman was drowned after being trapped in the flood waters.14/02/1863 14:43:1223/02/1863 14:43:12-31.08042908152.845916710Queensland;New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3100 3121Disaster EventRecords state that the Lialeeta was either a ketch or wooden two mast schooner that left Adelaide for Melbourne 11 April 1925 and disappeared, believed to have foundered in Bass Strait. Search efforts by sea and air were unsuccessful. Wreckage was found at Port MacDonnell and between the Glenelg River and Green Point near the South Australian and Victorian border. Either five or six lives were lost.4/11/1925 11:524/11/1925 11:52-38.10970688140.70877085South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3121 3126Disaster EventOn 21 June 2006 a fire started in Tasmania's Savage River iron ore mine, in north-west Tasmania, apparently caused by a loose connection on a heat pad used in a welding operation that ignited some rubber. Four workers in the area were successfully evacuated without injury. It took firefighters up to six hours to bring the fire under control. Their efforts were hindered by smoke, exploding acetylene cylinders and the fire spreading through four levels of the 50 m high building. The fire caused an estimated $10 million dollars in damage to the processing mill and the mine was unable to fully operate for some weeks, impacting on 240 employees and 150 contractors.6/21/2006 14:116/21/2006 14:11-41.34382629145.2392578Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3126 3133Disaster EventThe Maitland was an iron paddle steamer that undertook a regular passage between Sydney and Newcastle, often travelling overnight. On the night of 5-6 May 1898 the steamer left Sydney and struck the full force of a great storm that eventually led to the loss of the Maitland near Cape Three Points. Reports vary of the loss of life, but of the 63 crew and passengers on board around 21 - 26 people died.  The storm and the enormous seas caused considerable damage to the steamer. The cargo on the deck broke loose making holes near the paddle wheels and huge seas washed over board and extinguished the boiler fires, leaving the Maitland helpless. Passengers were assembled in the saloon, issued with life belts and warned that the vessel wouldn’t stay afloat for long. At 5.45 am it swept onto rocks and broke in two, the fore section was rolled over and over by the giant waves, drowning most of the steerage passengers in the forepart of the ship. After several attempts a line was secured to the shore enabling most of the passengers and crew to reach safety through the huge waves.05/05/1898 15:37:4805/05/1898 15:37:48-33.48185349151.4530487211New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3133 3159Disaster EventOn 7- 8 June 2000, a routine control burn at Chase National Park, Mount Ku-ring-gai, north of Sydney, took place to reduce the risk of bushfire damage to nearby residential properties. The burn was undertaken by National Park Wildlife Service officers. On 8 June, the fire suddenly flared and of the seven staff members, three lost their lives and four others were seriously injured with one person later dying in hospital as a result of injuries sustained. A full coronial investigation took place to determine the cause of the incident. The Coronial Inquiry began on Monday 16 July 2001, and the Coroner gave her findings on Friday 14 December 2001. Seventeen recommendations were made by the Coroner including implementing a more stringent control burn planning process, providing staff with better equipment, communications and knowledge of topographical conditions.6/8/2000 14:326/8/2000 14:32-33.65177917151.133087234New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3159 3301Disaster EventBetween 10 -14 March 2011, the central and eastern Kimberley regions of Western Australia experienced extremely heavy rainfall, with more than 700 mm falling during the month over the Kimberley Plateau, caused by an active monsoon trough. A further slow moving tropical low caused extensive flood damage to infrastructure across the Fitzroy, Ord and Pentecost River catchments areas. A number of towns in the Kimberley region broke their highest March rainfall records including Warmun, Yulmbu and Gibb River. In the east Kimberley town of Warmun up to 500 people were evacuated when the town's 76 houses were either destroyed or deemed uninhabitable through flood inundation. Within days more than 290 members of the Warmun community were evacuated to the Ord Stage II Camp (Garrjang) in Kununurra. The Western Australian state government immediately pledged the initial sum of $500,000 to contribute toward the rebuilding of the town. The state government further contributed $15 million to construct a 200 bed temporary accommodation for the community. The federal government committed to reimburse 50 per cent of the cost through the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.  The Department of Housing allocated $9.5 million to repair the damaged roads and create new roads to the newly built replacement homes. The town also received more than $8 million from the federal government to help with recovery. The funding would be provided over two years under the Community Development Employment Projects program. Funds were allocated towards projects to enhance the economic and social development of the community, such as rebuilding and creating opportunities for locals to develop work skills to contribute to their community. The Insurance Council of Australia did not provide insurance loss figures for this event. In terms of government spend on recovery certainly more than $10 million was spent on the flood.3/10/2011 9:243/14/2011 9:24-17.01690102128.215942476Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3301 3315Disaster EventThe Big Dry was a period of drought that commenced in 1996, worsening in 2002 and 2007 with Australia finally being declared drought free in April 2012. Southern areas of Victoria and South Australia and north-eastern area of Tasmania starting experiencing periods of rainfall deficiency in 1996. Conditions improved temporarily in these states by around 1999-2000 when the south-west of Western Australia and southern Queensland commenced experiencing rainfall deficiencies. By August 2002 severe rainfall deficiencies developed across much of eastern Australia following poor autumn and early winter rains. Parts of south-west Western Australia were deficient in growing season rainfall for the third successive year. All states were affected. January 2003 was one of the driest months on record. Most of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and parts of Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia were affected. In February, Queensland and New South Wales received some relieving rainfall; however June rains were still well below average. In January 2004 the Bureau of Meteorology announced 18 month rainfall deficiencies in part of eastern and northern Australia. This made it to 23 months by June. In general the south-east areas of Australia received below average rainfall for most of the last eight year period. Good rains in November removed or decreased rainfall deficiencies over many areas, with some deficiencies persisting in southern parts of Western Australia and central Queensland. The year 2005 saw rainfall deficiencies in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Victoria and South Australia had the driest autumn on record. Good rains in October and November improved conditions in Queensland. In the years 2006-2007, Australia experienced an El Nino event. June 2006 saw poor to record low autumn rains for the sixth year in south-eastern Australia. A distinct turn for the worse occurred in August when near total failure of late winter and spring rains occurred. In June 2007 some easing of severe drought conditions had occurred from autumn rains in New South Wales, north-west Victoria, Tasmania, southern parts of South Australia. Some areas of east Queensland, southern Victoria (near Melbourne) and west Western Australia missed out. May 2008 was the driest May on record and rainfall deficiencies were evident for a 12 month period in eastern South Australia, southern Northern Territory and parts of Victoria and Western Australia. November 2008 rainfall was above to very much above average over much of Australia. The rain largely cleared short-term rainfall deficiencies, especially in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia; however, average to below average falls in western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia maintained deficiencies in these areas. The autumn of 2010 was the first autumn with above average rainfall since 2000 in Victoria and the Murray Darling Basin. Serious to severe rainfall deficiency continued in the western area of Western Australia, some shortfall in southern Tasmania and north-eastern New South Wales. Due to excessively dry soils significant rain was required to alleviate the shortage of water across the country resulting from prolonged drought conditions. December 2010 saw Australia record the wettest spring for the months of September to November with an average of 163 mm of rain beating the previous record by 23 mm. The widespread above average rainfall again missed the south-west corner of Western Australia which experienced a record dry year. Northern and eastern parts of the country continued to receive above to very much above average rainfall, with Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory all recording their wettest spring on record. All states recorded above average rainfall for spring, with all states except Tasmania recording totals placing them in their ten wettest springs on record. Despite the above average rainfall by mid-2010 water storages had still not returned to pre-drought levels. Irrigated industries such as the Murray-Darling Basin were particularly affected where water storage levels fell to 17 per cent of capacity in 2003 and remained below pre-drought levels until late 2011. By mid-2010 the Australian Government had paid approximately $4.4 billion in direct drought assistance to affected farmers. The Federal Government declared Australia drought-free for the first time in more than ten years in April 2012.1/1/1996 13:394/1/2012 13:39-28.61345863148.8867188Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;Victoria;South Australia;Western Australia;Outside Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3315 3413Disaster EventIn early January 2013 up to 40 fires were burning throughout Tasmania in hot windy conditions. The main fire that started near Forcett caused significant damage to local townships, particularly Dunalley, east of Hobart, where more than half of the town’s buildings and a primary school were destroyed. Other significant fire fronts were located at Lake Repulse and Bicheno. The Forcett fire was first reported in bushland outside the town heading towards Dunalley, on Thursday 3 January 2013 at approximately 2.00 pm. The fire escaped containment lines the following afternoon fanned by strong winds and burned towards the coast at several points. More than 100 properties were destroyed and 2500 hectares of land were burnt by the afternoon of 6 January. At least 80 properties were either damaged or destroyed in Dunalley and nearby Boomer Bay, approximately 20 houses were destroyed at Murdunna and 40 per cent of structures were lost at Connelly’s Marsh. The fire threatened the town of Taranna and on 14 January 2013 a Victorian volunteer firefighter was killed when undertaking back burning operations in the vicinity. An estimated 24,000 hectares were burnt in the fire and at its peak the perimeter of the fire approximated 200 km. Thousands of locals and tourists were stranded as a result of the Forcett bushfire which effectively cut the Tasman Peninsula off from the rest of the state. The peninsula's main access road, the Arthur Highway, was closed from 4 to 13 January. People converged on Port Arthur to await evacuation by sea or road and due to shortages of food and other supplies, the community arranged for a fleet of boats to make deliveries to those stranded on the peninsula. Two private catamaran operators in Hobart were asked by police to help evacuate people from the Nubeena jetty.  Evacuees were then taken to Hobart where they were met by relatives and friends or taken in by volunteers. The Highway was partially opened on 11 January to allow stranded people and supplies to get through and was eventually opened to general traffic on 13 January. Community refuges were established at the Sorrell Memorial Hall, Nubeena Community Centre, Bicheno Community Hall and Swansea Football Ground. There was also a Recovery Centre established at City Hall, Hobart. The electricity company, Aurora, reported approximately 300 electricity poles were destroyed on the Tasman Peninsula, consequently power outages are expected to be an issue for a considerable time. Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments were made available to residents in the south-east and east of Tasmania, covering the affected local government areas of Sorell, Tasman and Glamorgan-Spring Bay. Other grants made available were immediate cash assistance grants, housing assistance grants, Aurora energy assistance and clean-up and assistance grants. A first stage recovery payment from the Red Cross Appeal Distribution Committee was distributed, providing $3000 per adult and $1000 per child by late January. The Department of Human Services has allocated over $7,845,000 to cover approximately 6900 claims. The Insurance Council of Australia advised as at 1 February 2013 that 1783 insurance claims had been received with losses estimated at $86.7 million, about 85 per cent of these related to property, seven per cent for domestic vehicles, with the balance consisting of smaller claims for other losses. The fire at Lake Repulse burnt more than 12,000 hectares and threatened the towns of Ellendale Ouse, Karanja, Westerway and Hamilton. Police allege it was started by an unattended campfire. The fire burnt for up to two weeks and was handed back to regional firefighters when conditions eventually improved. The other significant fire front was at Bicheno and Coles Bay where up to 15 properties were lost. These fires were described as the worst in almost half a century. On 14 January a Tasmanian Bushfire Recovery Taskforce was established and the state moved to recovery mode. The taskforce estimated that rebuilding communities could take up to two years, with contractors expected to start clearing damaged properties by the end of January. Further information will be provided about the Tasmanian fires and resulting damage when available.1/3/2013 13:491/14/2013 13:49-42.87797546147.810058610001871000002032127845400Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3413 3415Disaster EventIn late December to early February 2013 an outbreak of listeria caused three deaths and infected 26 people across Australia. The first case was identified before Christmas.  The symptoms of listeria include fever, headache, fatigue, aches and pains in most people. However, if a person is suffering from severe illness or a compromised immune system the effects can be fatal. All reported cases were linked to a particular company’s soft cheese. Acting Chief Health Officer found that the company’s food processing, hygiene and monitoring practices were satisfactory and not the cause of outbreak. The company implemented a nationwide recall of all of its products and voluntarily introduced stricter product testing and quality control measures. A coronial inquest into the deaths is expected and further information will be provided at a later date.12/25/2012 13:342/12/2013 13:34-33.84030151151.2078094263Queensland;New South Wales;Australian Capital Territory;Victoria;South Australia;Western Australia;Northern Territory;Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3415 3437Disaster EventDuring January 2013, New South Wales experienced very challenging fire danger weather conditions resulting in multiple fires across the state. By 8 January, there were over 100 fires burning, fueled by 40 degree Celsius temperatures.  The worst fire occured on 13 January when a fast moving bushfire in the Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran destroyed more than 51 nearby homes and damaged many others. The lodge at the Siding Spring Observatory in the National Park was damaged along with other buildings. However, Australia's largest telescope the Anglo-Australian survived. The other major areas affected by fire were Yass, Cooma and the Shoalhaven. One house was destroyed in Jugiong and a volunteer firefighter sustained burn injuries in Gundaroo and was airlifted to Sydney for hospital treatment. A recovery centre was opened in Coonabarabran after the fire. A recovery coordinator was appointed on 21 January by Barry O’Farrell concentrating on supporting the Warrumbungles fire affected community. Approximately 131,000 hectares were burnt in total across the state and extensive farm infrastructure and fences damaged. Approximately 12,000 sheep were lost at an estimated cost of over $1,000,000. Wildlife losses were also significant. The Department teamed with farmers to establish a fodder and fencing donation register to assist farmers rebuilding after the fires. On 15 January, the New South Wales Premier, Barry O'Farrell, and the Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Nicola Roxon, announced Natural Disaster Assistance would be available to 51 Local Government Areas in New South Wales affected by bushfires. To date the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments were $1,015,600 for over 830 claimants. The Insurance Council of Australia declared the Coonabarabran bushfire a catastrophe and as of March 2013, estimated damages costing $35 million.  1/7/2013 14:411/20/2013 14:41-31.28676605149.200515713500000051120001015600New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3437 3487Disaster EventTropical Cyclone Oswald formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria on 21 January 2013. It made landfall at night between Kowanyama,and Pormpuraaw on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, as a weak category one system with winds up to 100 km per hour. The following morning, as the cyclone moved inland it was downgraded to a tropical low system. The low moved toward the east coast, near Cooktown on 23 January and then tracked slowly to the south-south-east just inland from the coast, impacting areas near Townsville on 24 January. The weather system stalled over the St. Lawrence-Rockhampton area on the 25th and 26th, and then tracked south to near Dalby west of Brisbane on the 28th, finally accelerating in a southerly direction eventually moving offshore south of Sydney on 29 January. The ex-tropical cyclone brought with it a heavy monsoonal rainfall system that lasted for approximately one week. Most of the eastern areas of Queensland, and the coast of New South Wales ending in the Wollongong area experienced very heavy rainfall during the period from 22 to 29 January 2013. On 25 January, areas around Rockhampton recorded rainfall for a 24 hour period in excess of 300 mm. Rainfall for the areas between Rockhampton and Bundaberg alone were heavy enough to break the January monthly rainfall records. On 28 January, the most extreme daily rainfall for the week occurred over the Gold Coast Hinterland and New South Wales border catchment and the edge of the Brisbane river catchment where rainfall for a 24 hour period was in excess of 700 mm both hitting record levels. The Queensland State Emergency Service received 1800 calls for help in 24 hours on the 28 January, mostly in the south-east areas of the state. Six people were killed due to the extreme weather over the course of the week. Thousands were forced to evacuate, 2000 people were isolated by floodwaters for some days requiring emergency supply drops. Approximately 40 water rescues took place by State Emergency Service volunteers. Key infrastructure was damaged and destroyed, estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. The rail service was closed between Cairns and Townsville, the Weipa port shut down for several days, airlines cancelled many domestic flights between New South Wales and Queensland, travellers were stranded as they tried to return home after the long weekend, 200 schools were closed on the first day of school for the year and the worst ever power outages occurred in Queensland affecting 283,000 properties. On 27 January, the system moved south impacting Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast with damaging to destructive winds, torrential rain, dangerous surf and tidal inundation for a 24 hour period. Winds reached 131 km per hour at Cape Byron. Mt Crosby water treatment plant was shut down owing to turbidity in the Brisbane River. Water was released from the Wivenhoe dam from 91per cent to 88 per cent to cope with flood waters. Water was also released from North Pine Dam and Somerset Dam. Torrential rainfall and flooding also occurred in northern New South Wales particularly near Lismore and Grafton where approximately 2000 evacuations occurred. The New South Wales State Emergency Service attended to more than 2900 calls for assistance Eight New South Wales river systems had flood warnings in place. Coastal erosion of beaches was evidenced in these regions along with sea foam covering some roads and parks on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Overall, Bundaberg was the worst affected city with 2000 homes and 200 businesses inundated with flood water. The Burnett river was running at approximately 70 km per hour and threatening houses. Despite a mandatory evacuation order issued to 5000 residents, an emergency airlift was the only option for some stranded residents. Eighteen helicopters were utilised in a rescue effort evacuating more than 1000 people trapped by flood waters in North Bundaberg and other most-at-risk areas to at least nine evacuation centres which was a record evacuation effort in Australia. The Bundaberg hospital was also evacuated and approximately 130 patients were transferred to hospitals in Brisbane. On 31 January, in North Bundaberg, approximately 7000 residents were forced out of their homes and not allowed to return until they were checked and declared safe. Defence personnel, 180 in total, went house to house within an exclusion zone, conducting search and rescue operations. Defence personnel also helped to repair damaged infrastructure and clean people's homes as part of the initial recovery operation. Financial assistance and grants were made available to eligible Queensland flood victims, including: Queensland Floods Appeal 2013 payments Emergent Assistance Grant Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant. The Queensland government also provided financial help and support services to business owners and primary producers such as low interest loans and clean up and recovery grants. Other assistance included freight subsidies, Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declarations and leasehold rent relief. The Federal Attorney-General announced flood and storm victims, employees, small business persons and farmers could apply for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments: New South Wales - January 2013: $17,254,788 scheduled to be paid. Queensland - January 2013:  $141,449,554 scheduled to be paid. Natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements were provided as a joint commonwealth and state / territory government initiative for local government areas. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the January 2013 damage at $121 million for New South Wales and $977 million for Queensland.  1/21/2013 9:491/29/2013 9:49-24.86587906152.3446655900061098000000153600000Queensland;New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3487 3495Disaster EventOn 21 August 1991 at approximately 2.17 pm, an explosion occurred on Coode Island in Melbourne when a 600,000 litre chemical storage tank filled with acrylonitrile exploded and caught fire. The fire burned various hazardous chemicals including acrylonitrile, phenol, methyl ethyl ketone and benzene forming clouds of potentially toxic black smoke up to 30 km from the site, prompting the evacuation of Footscray Primary School, nearby buildings and ships, and closure of roads. People were advised to stay inside with windows and doors closed to avoid smoke inhalation. Testing conducted later showed that the smoke was not a chemical hazard due largely to the heat of the fire and high winds helped to dissipate the smoke from the area. It took 155 fire fighters approximately three hours to gain control of the fire and two were injured in the process. The following morning at approximately 11.45 am, a ruptured pipeline caused an explosion in another storage tank that sent a fireball into the sky. This fire spread to four other storage tanks and burned until control was gained at around 4 pm. Fire fighting efforts alone were estimated to cost $2 million as the fire control required large quantities of foam. In total, approximately 16 chemical storage tanks were damaged or destroyed, with approximately 8.6 million litres of chemicals burnt and more leaking. A Coronial Inquest was held 26 April 1994 to 20 May 1994, where 59 witnesses presented evidence. The findings of the Coronial Inquest were released 17 June 1994. The Coroner found on the balance of probabilities that a corona discharge occurred, igniting the chemicals within Tank 80. A corona discharge, colloquially known as St Elmo's fire, is akin to lightning, but in slow motion and with a much lower discharge of energy. The Coroner praised fire fighters and other emergency service personnel for their efforts in the response. Damage and clean-up costs were later assessed at between $20 and $35 million. The owner of the facility was charged under environment protection and labour laws with the penalty imposed in the vicinity of $1.3 million. According to the Financial Review the owners held an insurance cover of $20 million which covered the replacement value of the facility in addition to public liability insurance. Therefore, the insurance cost of Coode Island is assessed as $21.3 million.8/21/1991 11:368/22/1991 11:36-37.81663132144.91662621300000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3495 3532Disaster EventFrom 24 March to 29 March oysters harvested and sold out of lease 113 near Dunalley south of Hobart contained a norovirus that caused an outbreak of gastroenteritis. Authorities removed the oysters from sale on 31 March after up to 60 people initially presented with gastroenteritis symptoms in Tasmania and investigations commenced. The Public and Environmental Health Service of Tasmania advised that the source of the oyster contamination was a private sewage line nearby at Dunalley. Once the contamination source was identified a temporary closure of other small oyster harvest zones further out to sea occurred as a precaution pending further test results. The volume of sewage leaking from the pipe was very low, and the leaking underground pipe was capped while the owner carried out repairs. Investigations confirmed oyster lease 113 was the only source of the oysters causing illness, affecting people interstate and in Tasmania. Health authorities estimated approximately 100 Tasmanians and up to 80 Victorians contracted gastroenteritis after eating the oysters at Easter, with some requiring hospitalisation for hydration purposes.3/24/2013 10:453/29/2013 10:45-42.89960861147.8031921180Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3532 3533Disaster EventOn 29 March 2013, a wall collapsed onto the footpath on a site on the edge of the central business district in Melbourne. Pedestrians in the vicinity were crushed or hit by falling debris. Immediately after the incident members of the public rushed to the aid of those under the fallen bricks, trying to remove the debris until emergency services arrived. Two people died and another was critically injured and later died. The cause of the collapse is subject to investigations, although it is believed that unusually strong winds contributed to the accident. The company that owns the site will carry out its own investigation in addition to the Coroner, Worksafe and the Building Commission who will also investigate the accident. A coronor's inquest has been scheduled for June 2014. More information will be provided as it becomes available.  3/29/2013 11:413/29/2013 11:41-37.80727386144.96357733Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3533 3575Disaster EventOn 21 March 2013, at approximately 8 pm, a category F3 tornado with winds between 250 km per hour and 300 km per hour crossed north-east Victoria up to the border of New South Wales, impacting Koonoomoo, Rutherglen, Cobram, Yarrawonga, Bundalong, Euroa and Mulwala. The tornado lasted only five minutes, but in this time the wind caused considerable destruction. Roofs were lifted off houses, caravans were overturned and some commercial buildings were severely damaged including the Cobram Barooga Golf Club, several historic buildings in the main street of Rutherglen, two caravan parks, a car dealership and a winery. Approximately 24 people were injured, many from flying debris during the tornado. Four people were airlifted to Melbourne by Ambulance Victoria with serious injuries while others were treated locally in hospitals such as Yarrawonga where the local motels were utilised to ensure enough beds for patients. The State Emergency Service received approximately 150 calls for assistance during this period, most requiring help with fallen trees blocking roads or damaging houses. The Hume Freeway, near Benalla, and the Murray Valley Highway at Bundalong were forced to close for a period of time until fallen trees were cleared. Disruptions occurred to local power and telecommunications services. Approximately fifteen homes were deemed uninhabitable in Koonoomoo, seven in Bundalong and two in Rutherglen. Fourteen properties were badly damaged in Bundalong and 19 other properties sustained damaged across the region. It is estimated over 100 caravans were damaged by the wind. Orchards and vineyards across Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Bundalong, Koonoomoo and Rutherglen were also impacted by the tornado. One peach grower in Koonoomoo had 2000 fruit trees flattened by the winds, causing damage in excess of $100,000. The federal and state governments agreed to provide emergency financial assistance for those affected by the tornadoes. Recovery efforts were hindered by scattered debris, for example, in some locations there are sheets of iron high up trees and asbestos has been uncovered in the damage. The Insurance Council of Australia stated it is unlikely to declare the incident a catastrophe, based on the damage evidenced to date. Further information will be provided when available.3/21/2013 11:313/21/2013 11:31-35.88181686145.5750275243324New South Wales;Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3575 3751Disaster EventOver the weekend of 11-12 May 2013 in the Canberra suburb of Dickson, almost everyone who ate at a recently opened restaurant contracted salmonella food poisoning. The outbreak affected approximately 140 people, with many presenting at emergency departments, and more than 15 requiring hospitalisation. Hospitals in the Canberra region had to call in extra staff to deal with the numbers of patients and activate emergency response plans normally used in the event of winter influenza. The symptoms of salmonella including diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever were found to have been caused by raw egg in mayonnaise used in potato salad. The set price all-you-can-eat meat and side dishes meant almost all diners were exposed to the bacteria.   Home page feature image: Eggs in carton by Rae Allen (Flickr)5/12/2013 11:395/19/2013 11:39-35.25020981149.140564140Australian Capital Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=3751 4160Disaster EventOn 13 August 1940, a RAAF Lockheed bomber crashed near Canberra, killing all ten people on board. The plane was bringing Ministers and high officers from Melbourne to Canberra for a cabinet meeting. It was preparing to land at Canberra when it nose-dived into a hill, hitting a large log in the middle of the clearing. Witnesses at the aerodrome watched the plane lose height above low hills about three miles from the landing strip. It appeared that one engine faltered and the plane immediately tipped on one wing and disappeared from view behind a clump of trees. The plane crashed on the top of a hill in a small clearing between two trees. The machine was enveloped in flames when police, ambulance officers and aircraftsmen reached the scene. Among those killed were three Commonwealth Ministers from then-Prime Minister Menzies’ Government and the Chief of the Australian General Staff.8/13/1940 0:008/13/1940 0:00-35.34761429149.2296906101Australian Capital Territoryhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4160 4162Disaster EventOn 19 December 1943, a military aircraft carrying 31 people crashed at Queensland’s remote Canal Creek Cattle Station, killing all on board. The plane was carrying 20 American armed services personnel and 11 Australians: eight Australian Defense Personnel, a YMCA representative, a Salvation Army officer and a war photographer. The plane was en route from Townsville to Brisbane, and had a scheduled stop in Rockhampton. The crash occurred approximately 50 kms north of Rockhampton, after an explosion blew part of the wing off the plane, taking out the rudder and tail section and causing it to crash into the ground.  12/19/1943 0:0012/19/1943 0:00-22.90400887150.5044556311Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4162 4163Disaster EventA cluster of tornados hit towns within Queensland’s Bundaberg Region on 26 January, 2013. They were caused by warm unstable east to north-easterly winds feeding into ex-tropical cyclone Oswald, which formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria on 21 January. The first tornado hit Bargara at about 1pm, bringing down powerlines, tearing off roofs and flinging iron and windows across the streets. A disaster was declared in this area. Burnett Heads, just north of Bargara, was impacted at about 3pm with a third tornado ripping through Coonarr soon after. Bungadoo, around 40km south southwest of Bundaberg was hit just after 4pm and the fifth tornado struck again at Burnett Heads about 6.21pm, damaging the roofs of two homes and several power lines. A technical forecaster from the Bureau of Meteorology said they were not mini, but rather proper tornados, which had brought down power lines and caused major damage to shopping centres. At least 20 people were injured, two seriously when a Norfolk pine crashed the cabin of the ute they were sitting in.1/26/2013 0:001/26/2013 0:00-24.8135376152.4643097020Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4163 4165Disaster EventOn 10 November 1976, a severe hailstorm blanketed parts of Western Sydney. The worst affected suburbs were Villawood, Auburn and Lindcome, where hailstones were the size of tennis balls. Ten people were injured and extensive damage was caused to cars, vehicles and the Auburn swimming centre, where the roof fell into the pool.11/10/1976 0:0011/10/1976 0:00-33.86086655151.02304081040000000New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4165 4166Disaster EventOn 8 November 2005, the Gawler River burst its banks and spilled out onto the Adelaide Plains, destroying millions of dollars worth of homes, crops, greenhouses and machinery. South Australia’s State Government estimated more than 1,500 hectares were flooded, creating a bill of approximately $40 million. More than 300 almond, grape, olive, herb, potato and onion growers were affected. Many of the growers who were long-term residents of the region, commented that they had never seen a flood this size before.  11/8/2005 0:0011/8/2005 0:00-34.64535522138.5066986South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4166 4212Disaster EventFrom late December 2012 to early January 2013, Australia experienced a nationwide heatwave. Temperatures peaked throughout Australia, forcing the Bureau of Meteorology to add new colours (deep purple and pink) to its weather forecasting chart to record temperatures above 50°C. Australia’s first six days of 2013 were among the hottest 20 days on record in terms of average maximums. The heatwave developed over a large region stretching from northern Victoria and inland New South Wales to central-west Queensland, across to north-western Western Australia and down to the Nullarbor coast.The national average maximum across Australia on 7 January was 40.33 °C, beating the previous record set in 1972 by 0.16°C. In Perth, temperatures exceeded 37°C for seven consecutive days. This heatwave caused 20 people to be hospitalised between the period 27 December and 3 January. St John Ambulance reported a doubling in call-outs for heatstroke, dehydration and burns from the previous week. On New Year’s Eve, Western Australia recorded 42.1 °C, 13 °C above the December average. The state's average temperature for the last week of 2012 averaged a maximum of 39.3 °C, making it the hottest week in 80 years. Records were broken in Alice Springs, with temperatures over 40 °C for 17 days in a row and Oodnadatta, where temperatures exceeded 45 °C for seven consecutive days. On 17, January Sydney endured its hottest day ever, with a record temperature of 45.8 °C. The Ambulance Service of New South Wales reported that more than 220 people had been treated for heat exposure or fainting. The heatwave stranded thousands of commuters, with dozens of trains delayed as steel wires buckled and a hose used to run a key signalling system melted. On the central coast, the heat caused an overhead wire to buckle onto a train at approximately 1.30 pm, trapping about 250 passengers for half an hour. There was a noted increase in nationwide hospital admissions for kidney disease, acute renal failure and heart attacks across this period. The Bureau of Meteorology stated the heatwave was an exceptional event.12/27/2012 0:001/19/2013 0:00-25.24469566133.59375240Queensland;New South Wales;Victoria;South Australia;Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4212 4364Disaster EventOn 16 October 2013, a Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane hit turbulence as it prepared to land at Paske International Airport and crashed into the Mekong River. All 49 people on board the aircraft were killed, including six Australians. It is the country’s worst known air disaster.10/16/2013 0:0010/16/2013 0:0015.11235714105.7991104491Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4364 4413Disaster EventIn March 1893, Hunter River floodwaters reached 11.35 metres. Five people drowned in the Maitland area, while three others drowned in the nearby town of Braxton.01/03/1893 11:13:4901/03/1893 11:13:49-32.7322731151.55767828New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4413 4415Disaster EventOn 17 March 1900, six men were being lowered down the Balmain Colliery when an obstruction on the shaft wall tipped over the bucket they were in. Five of the men were killed after falling nearly 122 metres to the bottom. The sixth man remained in the bucket and was lowered down safely.3/17/1900 11:283/17/1900 11:28-33.85673141151.18116765New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4415 4417Disaster EventOn April 20, 1945 a methane gas explosion at Balmain Colliery killed three men and injured two others. The men were working at the top of the mine when the explosion occurred. 4/20/1945 11:574/20/1945 11:57-33.85723114151.181182923New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4417 4470Disaster EventOn 22 October 2013, air quality levels within the Sydney region were measured at 50 times worse than normal, due to smoke caused by bushfires and back burning in rural New South Wales. Air quality measurements at the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage were among the highest ever recorded on the air quality index, with pollution readings of up to 2500. Anything above 100 is considered poor air quality. As a result, there was a significant increase in the number of people treated for asthma and breathing problems. NSW Health recorded that at the height of the bushfires, 228 people attended hospital with breathing difficulties and 778 others were treated by NSW Ambulance staff. The environmental branch within NSW Health reported a 124 per cent increase in patients with asthma conditions seeking hospital treatment. The blanket of haze continued at varying levels for a couple of weeks. On 2 November, smoke again engulfed Sydney, setting off hundreds of automatic smoke alarms in the city and surrounding districts. The number of call outs for NSW Fire and Rescue increased from an average of 15 per day to 200 within a two hour period.10/22/2013 0:0011/9/2013 0:00-33.9127388151.2414856228New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4470 4534Disaster EventThe John Ormerod was an English built schooner that was carrying flour from Adelaide to Sydney when it encountered a storm on 21 October 1861. Six of the crew died when they were swept overboard, while the remaining crew were rescued the following day after the wreck drifted towards a lighthouse. The unsalvageable vessel was eventually discovered near the Glenelg River.  21/10/1861 00:00:0021/10/1861 00:00:00-38.0618782140.666198761South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4534 4535Disaster EventPostboy was a schooner carrying bark and stone ballast from Port Adelaide to Port MacDonnell, when it capsized during a sudden storm on 15 December 1876. Six people died and one crewman was rescued by a passing yacht. Postboy was salvaged in January 1877 and refloated the following March.15/12/1876 00:00:0015/12/1876 00:00:00-34.9715004138.512191861South Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4535 4658Disaster EventOn the morning of 16 July 2013, Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel 794 (SIEV 794) requested assistance after its engines stopped working. Once Australian Navy ship HMAS Albany reached SIEV 794, a boarding party attempted to board the vessel, but were prevented due to its size and the weather conditions. Under coordination of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia), HMAS Warramunga joined HMAS Albany to escort SIEV 794 to Christmas Island. While being escorted, the vessel capsized and a large number of people entered the water. HMAS Albany rescued 68 people and HMAS Warramunga rescued 76 people, however four others drowned. At 9.38 pm, after a thorough search of the area, RCC Australia suspended the search for survivors.7/16/2013 0:007/16/2013 0:00-10.40137768105.336914104Outside Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4658 4674Disaster EventOn New Year’s Day in 1917, Hughenden experienced what was reported as the greatest flood in 40 years. The Flinders River flooded the town’s Chinese Garden, submerged the Hughenden Station Woolshed and caused several homes to be swept away. Five members of the one family drowned as floodwaters swept their home downstream. Four siblings from the family survived and were rescued the following day.1/1/1917 0:001/6/1917 0:00-20.82736778144.20104985Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4674 4781Disaster EventDuring October 2013, approximately 100 fires burnt across eastern New South Wales, including six major bushfires. The most serious fires started in the Blue Mountains on 16 and 17 October. The fires began on 13 October when strong winds and high temperatures caused a fire near Port Stephens and destroyed six houses. Several sheds and cars were also burnt in the fires and dozens of residents spent the night in evacuation centres. One person died at Lake Munmorah while protecting their home. Fires also occurred around the Hunter and Hawksbury regions. At the same time, more than 100 firefighters were fighting bushfires at Tangory Mountain, Webbs Creek, Wollemi National Park, the Southern Highlands and the Central Coast. On 16 October, a defence training exercise at Marrangaroo near the Blue Mountains, accidently sparked a fire that became known as the ‘State Mine Fire’. It had a perimeter of 190km and eventually burnt nearly 46,000 hectares between Lithgow and Mt Tomah. At its most severe, the fire travelled 25 km per hour through bushland. Thousands of people in Lithgow were evacuated and the communities of Bell, Bilpin, Berambing, Clarence, Dargan, Hartley Vale, Mount Wilson were also affected. The fire devastated the recently restored tourist attraction, Zig Zag Railway, with equipment and train carriages destroyed. On 17 October two more major fires began in the lower Blue Mountains: one near Mt Victoria and the other at Springwood. Wimallee and Yellowrock were the worst affected communities with 193 homes destroyed and 100 damaged. Staff and patients at the Springwood Hospital were evacuated as a precaution. With the three fires burning uncontrollably in the Blue Mountains, on 18 October, Victoria sent fire crews and equipment to assist with the NSW firefighting efforts. A State of Emergency was announced for NSW on 20 October. By 22 October the State Mine Fire had travelled south and was threatening to join up with the Mt Victoria Fire. The Rural Fire Service decided to deliberately allow the State Mine Fire to join the Mount Victoria Fire in a controlled way by managing fuel loads and back-burning to create firebreaks. While this was a high risk strategy, by 25 October cooler weather conditions allowed firefighters to bring the three Blue Mountains Fires under control. The fires were declared extinguished on 13 November. A total of approximately 118,000 hectares was burnt across the state. A second person died on 24 October while piloting a water-bombing plane that crashed over Budawang National Park. Financial assistance and grants were made to eligible NSW bushfire victims.• Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment:Claims granted: 869Scheduled dollars to be paid $974,000 • NSW Disaster Recovery Allowance:Claims granted: 54Scheduled dollars to be paid $42,801 • National disaster relief and recovery arrangementsprovided funds to clean up bushfire related debris in the affected communities.• $ 1.4 million was granted by the NSW government to make sites containing asbestos safe.• A Blue Mountains Bushfire Mayoral Relief Fund was established to collect and distribute money. Natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements were provided as a joint commonwealth and state / territory government initiative for local government areas. The Insurance Council of Australia estimate the damage for the fires across NSW in October 2013 at $183,400,000. Further information will be provided when it becomes available.10/13/2013 0:0011/13/2013 0:00-33.64834976150.36643982183400000200New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4781 4790Disaster EventThe bushfire began in the Perth Hills on Sunday morning 12 January 2014 during the heatwave of 8 -13 January with consecutive days over 40 degrees Celsius. The excessive heat and strong winds fuelled the fire which quickly grew out of control and spread from Parkerville to Stoneville and Mount Helena. A total of 650 hectares were burnt. Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes and sought shelter at centres set up in Mundaring and Swan View. Many residents were unable to return and assess the damage to their homes until 15 January when the extensive clean-up of debris and fallen power poles was complete. As of 16 January, 450 homes were still without electricity. It is believed that the fire was started by a fallen power pole. A man died on the Sunday while protecting his home. Financial assistance and grants were made to eligible Perth Hills bushfire victims, with Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments of $384,800 scheduled to be paid. The West Australian government gave $1 million to the Lord Mayor’s Disaster Appeal and announced anyone who lost their house would receive $3000 and those whose homes were damaged would receive $1000. Early figures from the Insurance Council of Australia suggest $15 million damage. Further details will be provided as they become available.1/11/2014 10:271/14/2014 10:27-31.87464142116.141624511500000052Western Australiahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4790 4929Disaster EventOne year after Australia’s 16-year drought ‘The Big Dry’ was confirmed to have broken, parts of Queensland and New South Wales were again declared to be in drought. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded rainfall deficiencies between April 2012 and January 2014, with most of Queensland and inland of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales experiencing serious to severe deficiencies, having less than 70 per cent of their long-term average rainfall. On 1 April 2013, 13 regional councils, the equivalent of one third of Queensland was covered by drought declarations. This grew to 60 per cent by October 2013 and by March 2014, 80 per cent of Queensland was officially in drought, including all 10 shires in the state’s north-west. In May 2013, one sixth of New South Wales was in drought and by February 2014, 62 per cent of the state had received no significant rainfall for two years. Graziers experienced falling cattle prices and loss of income, with some having to shoot their stock or move them to other properties in response to deteriorating pasture and water availability. In November 2013, the New South Wales State Government announced a $7.6 million package of emergency support to farmers in the Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett councils and in February 2014 that was raised to $14.6 million. In January 2014, the Queensland State Government announced an extra $20 million would be added to the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme, taking the total to $31 million. On 26 February 2014, the Federal Government announced a $320 million drought package, which includes: $280 million in loans to help eligible farm businesses recover from the effects of drought $12 million extra for emergency water infrastructure schemes $10 million for pest management and $10.7 million for social and mental health services in affected communities   Further details will be provided as they become available.4/1/2012 11:502/19/2014 11:50-27.29368973149.4580078Queensland;New South Waleshttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4929 4946Disaster Event On 15 January 2014, a bushfire which was sparked by a lightning strike started in the Grampians National Park. It was one of 68 fires burning across Victoria during this time. The fire coincided with a heatwave across Victoria with temperatures reaching over 40 C in the Grampians region from 15 - 20 January. The fire eventually burnt 52,000 hectares including bushland and farms and was declared contained on 21 January 2014. Many residents from Dadswell’s Gap, Wartook, Brimpean, St Helen’s Plain, Roses Gap Pomonal, Bellfield, Lake Fyans, Lake Lonsdale, Heatherlie and Ledcourt were affected by the fires. Halls Gap was threatened by the fire front and ember attack and most of the town evacuated. Relief centres were set up in Horsham, Stawell and Ararat for the hundreds of people who were evacuated from their homes. Farmers lost large numbers of sheep that were either killed by the fire or later culled. At least 7000 sheep in total were lost. A 12 km wide pyro cumulus cloud column of smoke and fire was created by the fire, generating its own weather pattern including lightning and thunder. This cloud gathered burning embers into the sky, which then scattered for many kilometres beyond the fire front, potentially starting new fires. Once the fire was contained, emergency services began assisting people to return to their homes and cleaning up the tourist attractions in time for visitors to be able to come to the Grampians National Park over the Australia Day long weekend. Financial assistance for people in bushfire affected communities was provided under the jointly funded Commonwealth-Victorian Natural Disaster Relief Recovery Arrangements. This included making available concessional loans for small businesses and primary producers. Local councils were also provided with funds for clean-up activities and to repair essential public assets.    1/15/2014 10:591/21/2014 10:59-37.12911987142.5196228307000Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4946 4960Disaster EventIn the second week of January 2014, the extreme heat in Western Australia that saw record breaking temperatures of up to 48 °C, moved eastwards into South Australia and Victoria. It was the first heatwave to be classified under the Bureau of Meteorology’s new modelling system of Heatwave, Severe Heatwave and Extreme Heatwave. During the next two weeks, both states experienced the numerous effects of extreme heat. In South Australia, 13-17 January recorded the first ever five-day period above 42 °C, the hottest maximum five-day average temperature of 43.6 °C and on 16 January, Adelaide was the hottest city in the world, at 46 °C. In the same period, Victoria recorded its first ever four-day period above 41°C and its hottest four-day average maximum temperature at 43.1 °C. The Bureau of Meteorology released a Special Climate Statement for the period from 13 to 18 January and stated that the heatwave was more notable for persistent heat than individual extreme hot days. Heat-related power outages affected approximately 35,000 people in Victoria during the evening of 14 January, while about 5000 South Australian residents were temporarily without electricity. The heatwave resulted in 275 people being admitted to South Australian hospitals for heat-related conditions. In Victoria, 505 people were treated by Ambulance Victoria for heat exhaustion, and 208 people were treated for cardiac arrest, at one time cardiac arrest calls being received every six minutes. More than 1000 spectators required treatment for heat exhaustion at the Australian Open, which was held from 13 to 26 January. The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine recorded 139 deaths in excess of the average expected between 13 and 23 January. On 21 January, 80 cows died due to heat stress in Victoria’s Gippsland region. More than 90 flying foxes were found dead in Adelaide’s Botanic Park, following the death of 100,000 bats in a Queensland heatwave during the first week of January. Other states affected by the 13 to 18 January heatwave were the western half of Tasmania and around and to the west of the New South Wales Snowy Mountain region. More information will be provided as it becomes available.1/11/2014 0:001/21/2014 0:00-33.28461838140.9765625080Queensland;New South Wales;Victoria;South Australia;Western Australia;Tasmaniahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=4960 5013Disaster EventFrom 16 to 18 December 2010, heavy rainfall in the Gascoyne River catchment caused major flooding, with falls in excess of 250-300 mm in a 24-hour period.   Highest river levels on record were measured at three of the five river gauging stations along the Gascoyne River. The flood caused significant soil erosion, with extensive damage caused to crops and infrastructure. Homes and homesteads in the nearby towns of Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction were flooded and the 100 year-old local pub was washed away. At least 2000 cattle drowned.   Western Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Food estimated the damage to be $90 million.12/16/2010 0:0012/20/2010 0:00-24.83908844113.74969482000Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=5013 5015Disaster EventIn early February 2014, Victoria faced its worst fire conditions since Black Saturday in 2009. Over the weekend of 8 and 9 February, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) was at its highest state of readiness with interstate and New Zealand colleagues on standby. While existing fires continued to burn in East Gippsland, new fires broke out on 9 February in the Latrobe Valley and north of Melbourne at Mickleham, Gisborne, Riddells Creek and Warrandyte. Six thousand firefighters were mobilised across the state and thousands of people evacuated. High winds and very dry conditions resulted in three homes destroyed in Warrandyte, one in Gisborne and one in Morwell before these fires were brought under control. However, a fire in the Hazelwood Mine at Morwell continued to burn (see the Hazelwood Mine entry for further information on this disaster). The Mickleham Road Complex was a fast moving grassfire that remained out of control for a number of days. It split into two fire-fronts threatening both Kilmore and Wallan. The fire also impacted the communities of Beveridge, Darraweit Guim, Springwood, Chintin, Forbes and Bylands, Wallan, Willowmavin and Craigieburn. Once the Mickleham fire was contained, the threat of smouldering trees falling continued amongst the fire affected areas. A total of 13 homes were destroyed as well as other farm infrastructure and approximately 10,000 sheep and 600 cattle also perished. While the East Gippsland fires continued to burn in remote bushland, by 14 February the fire no longer posed a threat to private property. More than 130,000 hectares were burnt and 15 homes destroyed. Approximately 100 farm properties were also affected with stock and fencing losses. The Victorian Government announced people affected by the fires would have immediate access to grants of up to $30,000 if their homes were destroyed or significantly damaged due to the fire. The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments National Disaster Recovery Payments were also made available to those affected by the fires.2/9/2014 11:232/14/2014 11:23-37.56471634144.8931885Karyn Stamp3294010010600Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=5015 5041Disaster EventThe Hazelwood open cut mine fire began on 9 February 2014, during the worst fire conditions in Victoria since Black Saturday. It was started by a nearby grassfire and was one of 70 blazes across the state during this time. The fire continued burning for four weeks, with the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) declaring it under control on 19 February 2014 and safe on 25 March 2014. It was a complex disaster for three reasons; firstly, the size of the fire and magnitude of the firefighting efforts, secondly, the public health emergency for the responders and people of Morwell and thirdly, the financial cost of the disaster. Morwell is located close to the Hazelwood mine, with some people living 400 metres from the mine site. The fire released large amounts of smoke and ash that settled on the communities of Morwell. Twenty firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and hundreds of people in Morwell complained of breathing problems over the duration of the fire. People also reported poor visibility and an unpleasant odour, meaning that they couldn’t spend extended time outdoors The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) was responsible for monitoring air quality and reporting to government. Acknowledging the poor air quality and discomfort faced by the people of Morwell, the Victorian Government suggested people have short breaks from Morwell, made health checks available and distributed face masks. On 28 February, the Victorian Chief Health Officer, Rosemary Lester advised that the elderly, sick, children and pregnant women should temporarily leave South Morwell. The Federal and Victorian governments provided grants of up to $1250 to assist with their temporary relocation. Many schools and childcare centres in Morwell closed and relocated students during the fire. A County Court Judge was forced to postpone a trial held in Morwell due to the smoke and poor air conditions.   Hazelwood was the most serious mine fire in Australian history, with advice and support obtained from local and international experts in the field. Mine fires are very difficult to control, particularly if the coal seam begins to burn as was the case at Hazelwood. More than 7000 firefighters from the CFA, interstate agencies and the mine owners were deployed over the 45 days. They used water and foam to cool the fire down and then dug out the burning coal, spraying it with water. This is a very time consuming process. More than 500 firefighters battled the fire at any one time, with 86,000 litres of water used per minute. A number of homes have been badly damaged by ash and fire, including their interiors. The Victorian Government announced on 11 March 2014, that former Supreme Court Justice Bernard Teague will head an inquiry into the mine fire. The Victorian Government also announced on 18 March 2014, a two million dollar package to assist with the clean up following the Hazelwood fire. Morwell residents will be able to access some of these funds and further details will be provided as they become available.2/9/2014 0:003/19/2014 0:00-38.23251724146.393508900Victoriahttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=5041 5044Disaster EventOn 22 March 2014, a light aircraft owned by a Caboolture skydiving company crashed shortly after take-off at Caboolture airfield. The plane failed to reach 60 metres before diving on to a crossing runway and bursting into flames, killing the pilot and all four passengers on board. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will prepare a preliminary report by the end of April 2014, while the Australian Parachute Federation announced it will make its own investigation into the incident. Further details will be provided as they become available.3/22/2014 0:003/22/2014 0:00-27.03710938152.948913651Queenslandhttp://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=5044