Uni looking for flood-affected families in resilience study

UNIVERSITY of Queensland researchers are searching for participants from the Ipswich region to take part in a study exploring community resilience in the wake of the 2011 Queensland floods.

As North Booval was one of the three worst flood-affected suburbs in Ipswich, the ARC-funded study originated in the region and focuses on the role that neighbours can play in assisting one another in preparing for and recovering from disasters.

Associate Professor Lynda Cheshire from the School of Social Science said the research examined the local resources and networks that people were able to draw upon in North Booval.

"So far, we have interviewed 17 participants in flood-affected streets," she said.

"However certain parts of the suburb had high numbers of rental properties and many tenants simply left and never came back, so we are calling for more participants - especially those who have not returned but who may still be living elsewhere in Ipswich."

Anyone interested in participating in this study can phone 0438 931 072.