Up Approaches: A Case Study of the Cardwell Community, Australia

Abstract

This paper examines the recovery and adaptation process of the Cardwell community in Far North Queensland, Australia, following the devastation caused by tropical cyclone Yasi in 2011. Like many coastal settlements worldwide, Cardwell faces high vulnerability to sea-level rise, storm surges, and extreme rainfall events. In response, the community initiated a distinctive bottom-up strategic planning process independent of state and local government frameworks. The initiative developed a long-term vision and a set of priority actions to guide recovery and enhance resilience to climate change. The study highlights how grassroots, community-led approaches can maximise post-disaster opportunities and inform broader climate change adaptation strategies in urbanised coastal areas.