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