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Shock treatment: Adaptive learning in response to the South-East Queensland oil spill
Abstract

Shock treatment: Adaptive learning in response to the South-East Queensland oil spill

Craig A. Stephenson, Dana C. Thomsen, Gayle Mayes and Timothy F. Smith
Solutions to Coastal Disasters 2011, pp.887-898
Solutions to Coastal Disasters Conference 2011 (Anchorage, Alaska, United States, 26/06/2011–29/06/2011)
26/04/2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/41185(417)75

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Abstract

On 11 March 2009 a container ship, the MV Pacific Adventurer, was involved in an incident causing heavy oiling of portions of the south-east Queensland coastline of Australia, areas of high natural, cultural, recreational and economic significance. The incident represented an unanticipated disaster, embedded within a complex and dynamic management environment. Pressures on coastal systems are driving the need for improved learning structures and processes. In particular, disaster response and learning is recognized as often lacking sufficient depth to address more core, underlying issues. A systems based approach, such as described through resilience and associated theories allows an improved understanding toward a more holistic perspective on managing disasters as dynamic systems. The links between resilience theories and experiential and adaptive forms of learning are explored to present a theoretical framework from which to evaluate the nature of responses within the Pacific Adventurer disaster. It is expected that the insights gained will hold relevance to researchers and practitioners at a broader level, wherever responses to disasters are needed.

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