Australia’s bushfire seasons are becoming longer, hotter, and more intense — a reality starkly revealed during the 2019–2020 Black Summer fires. While much attention has been paid to environmental and property damage, one critical area often overlooked is the profound impact of bushfire events on people living with chronic health conditions.

As climate events grow in severity and frequency, it's become clear that managing chronic illnesses — from asthma to diabetes — is no longer just a clinical concern. It's a resilience issue. Chronic Disease Management must now be viewed through a broader lens that includes environmental risk, healthcare access, and community preparedness.

Living with Chronic Illness in a Changing Climate

Australians living with chronic health conditions are among the most vulnerable during extreme weather events. Bushfires, in particular, pose significant risks for individuals managing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Smoke inhalation, heat stress, disrupted routines, and forced evacuations all exacerbate the challenges these individuals face.

During the Black Summer bushfires, smoke blanketed much of the country for weeks, contributing to a marked rise in respiratory-related emergency visits. According to AIHW, more than 3,000 extra hospitalisations occurred due to smoke exposure — many involving people with pre-existing chronic conditions.

These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent individuals and families whose lives were disrupted or put at risk because the systems in place were not equipped to fully support their health in times of crisis.

What Bushfires Reveal About Health System Gaps

Natural disasters put immense pressure on health infrastructure. In regional and rural areas, that pressure is magnified by geographic isolation, limited services, and already stretched healthcare providers. During emergencies, chronic illness care often shifts from proactive to reactive — a dangerous change that can have long-term consequences for patients.

This shift raises a vital question: how do we build a more resilient health system that supports people with chronic conditions not only during times of stability but also amid climate-related emergencies?

The answer lies in long-term planning and integrated care strategies that go beyond medication and symptom management. This is where robust chronic disease management frameworks make a critical difference.

The Value of Preventive Care in Emergency Contexts

Effective chronic disease management isn't about treating illness when it flares — it's about preventing those flare-ups in the first place. Patients with clear, tailored care plans are often better equipped to manage their conditions during emergencies, particularly when access to regular GP appointments or pharmacies is disrupted.

Take, for example, the need for medication continuity. Bushfires may force evacuations with little notice, and without a well-prepared plan — including access to scripts or emergency contacts — individuals may find themselves without life-sustaining medications.

Proactive strategies such as regular health checks, personalised care plans, and having a clear communication line with a local GP can help mitigate risks. A well-designed plan considers the broader context of the patient’s life, including housing, mobility, and carer support — factors that directly influence how well a person can cope when disaster strikes.

One example of a localised, patient-focused approach can be found in the Chronic Disease Management – Googong Family Practice. Their structured care model includes tailored treatment plans, health reviews, and coordination with allied health professionals. It’s this kind of integrated, regional approach that provides a blueprint for improving health resilience across Australia.

Health Innovation in the Regions

Despite challenges, regional Australia is adapting. Telehealth, digital health monitoring tools, and mobile clinics are playing a growing role in providing continuity of care. During the pandemic, many rural practices embraced telehealth to bridge access gaps — an innovation that has clear relevance for climate-related disruptions too.

As noted in Namoinews’s coverage of regional health services, the push for better digital infrastructure and more responsive local care models has gained momentum. This shift is not only improving access but also fostering more proactive chronic disease support for residents in areas vulnerable to extreme weather.

Another positive trend is increased collaboration between local councils, community groups, and health providers. From emergency planning workshops to welfare checks on elderly residents during high-risk weather days, these efforts are creating a network of support that complements clinical care.

Building Personal and Community Health Resilience

While systemic changes are essential, individual preparedness also plays a crucial role. People managing chronic conditions can take steps to build their own resilience. These include:

• Keeping an up-to-date list of medications and dosages

• Storing extra medications during high-risk seasons

• Creating an emergency evacuation plan that considers medical needs

• Staying informed through local emergency alerts and health advisories

• Booking regular GP appointments for condition monitoring and early intervention
   

GPs, too, have a vital role in guiding patients through these preparedness steps. Trusted local clinics that understand the community’s needs are well-positioned to offer practical, personalised advice.

For instance, clinics like Googong Family Practice don’t just focus on treatment — they prioritise continuity and collaboration, helping patients take control of their long-term health in the face of environmental uncertainty.

A Collective Responsibility

The relationship between climate and health is no longer theoretical — it's unfolding in real time. Bushfire smoke is now a seasonal concern, not a rare occurrence. Floods and heatwaves are impacting more Australians each year. These events shine a spotlight on the need to rethink how we support people living with chronic illnesses.

By investing in strong local care models, encouraging proactive patient engagement, and building systems that can flex in times of crisis, we can better safeguard the health of our most vulnerable.

As reported in Namoinews’s broader environmental coverage, climate resilience must include health resilience. Chronic disease management isn’t just a GP service — it’s a community-wide priority that connects public health, environmental response, and everyday wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

Bushfire seasons have taught us many lessons, but perhaps the most powerful is this: resilience is built before the crisis arrives. With the right planning, collaboration, and ongoing support, people living with chronic conditions can face these challenges with greater security and confidence.

Now is the time for communities, governments, and health professionals to embrace a more comprehensive approach to care — one that integrates chronic disease management into our broader climate response.