ABSTRACT
Urban areas are considerable investments in terms of financial, social and ecological values. However, they are also vulnerable to disasters, where the impacts of natural and human-made hazards can be catastrophic. The chapter sets out the incidence and changing nature of disasters internationally and in Australia, particularly as they increasingly affect urban settlements. It is argued that urban planning can significantly decrease disaster risks. Five key factors are examined: 1) Spatial Arrangements; 2) Coordination, Integration and Direction of Action; 3) Urban Functionalities and Detailed Design; 4) Regulation; and 5) Access, Escape and Refuges.
