Regulators Quiz

Introduction

This module of the website is aimed at the Regulator who have the responsibility for setting risk criteria, administering planning controls and approving development proposals under the requirements of specific planning controls or a policy.

The format of the module is for a series of Questions relating to the understanding required by the Regulator in respect to a number of aspects relating to the implementation of a landslide-zoning scheme, policy requirements and the approvals process.

Instructions

Multiple choice answers are provided. If you are not sure which answer may be correct, then click HINT next and further information will be provided to assist you. You can test your understanding by selecting an answer to see if you are correct or learn why your choice was not. If you chose the correct answer, you can either read the detailed answer or skip to the next question. Each detailed answer provides further links to more resources, such as video explanations, presentations or PDF extracts from guidelines that have been developed by the Australian Geomechanics Society. Further topics are discussed by FAQ pages which pose a series of questions and then give further explanations.

AGS 2007 LRM Guidelines Australian Geoguide

At any time during this module, feel free to launch the guideline PDF’s to research your answers, or simply to give yourself a refresher on Landslide Risk Management.

LRM Guidelines

Question 7 of 10

7. When does a regulator need a specific policy on landslide?

A policy is only needed after a landslide occurs.
The landslide policy is needed when a past, current or potential landslide hazard is known or identified through a relevant zoning study.
A landslide policy is implemented only after direction by a State Government.
A landslide policy is only needed when directed by the Federal Government.

A specific landslide policy should aim to minimise risks posed by potential adverse impacts of natural hazards where they exist and is usually related to a local understanding of the hazards.

7. When does a regulator need a specific policy on landslide?

The regulator should have a specific policy, which sets out the requirements for LRM assessments as part of the development application documentation and process. The need for such a policy should be determined by zoning studies in accordance with AGS (2007a).

AGS 2007c (page 67)

A natural hazard is a naturally occurring situation or condition with the potential for loss or harm to the community or environment. Natural hazards do not have to become natural disasters. Effective land use planning is an important means of reducing the community’s vulnerability to natural hazards and promoting resilient communities.

Natural disasters are a significant and rising cost to the community. They are estimated to have cost Australia many millions of dollars in both direct and indirect tangible costs over many years. In addition, there are significant intangible costs associated with loss of life, injury, human suffering, loss of productivity and environmental degradation.

Inappropriate development in areas susceptible to natural hazards significantly increases the risks (and associated costs) to the community. A specific landslide policy should aim to minimise these risks by ensuring that the potential adverse impacts of natural hazards are adequately considered when development applications are assessed, when planning schemes are made or amended and when land is designated for community infrastructure.