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Power prioritised over police in disaster zones

Cairns residents were surveyed after Cyclone Yasi struck in 2011. - ABC

New research has found people living in Australian natural disaster hotspots prefer power over extra policing.

Researchers at the Australian National University surveyed Cairns residents after Cyclone Yasi struck in 2011.

The study asked people whether they were prepared to pay levies for emergency food supplies, power generators and policing.

The Crawford School of Public Policy's Associate Professor Leo Dobes says people were willing to pay almost $200 for power and other utilities.

"It seems that they weren't prepared to pay anything at all for extra police protection," he said.

"We think that the reason for that is because there is quite a community spirit in Cairns and people feel quite safe, they don't feel the need for extra patrols."


- ABC

© ABC 2012

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