Joint media release with the Hon Nikki Boyd MP
Queenslanders will be better prepared and protected for future natural disasters following today's announcement of over $55 million for 29 local projects through the Albanese Government’s flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).
These projects significantly reduce disaster risk and build long-term resilience in the face of increasing disasters and are jointly funded with the Queensland or local governments.
Funding will be provided to install back-up generators, restore degraded coastlines, deliver mental health training, replace seawalls, upgrade emergency evacuation centres and deliver a microgrid.
DRF Round Two sees Commonwealth investments of over $19 million in 10 infrastructure projects; nearly $9 million for 13 systemic risk reduction projects; and over $2.9 million for 6 projects that both deliver infrastructure and risk reduction outcomes.
This funding is part of a long-term commitment to enhance Australia's capacity to respond, adapt and recover by investing up to $1 billion over the next five years in resilience.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister said the government is helping prepare and protect Queensland communities before disasters hit.
“We know that our climate is changing, and Australians can expect to experience more intense and more frequent natural disasters, which is why the Albanese Government is acting to prepare and protect communities from natural disasters and their impacts.
“Since 2022 nearly all local government areas in Queensland have experienced disaster. The Albanese Government is working with communities to build resilience like installing a microgrid or backup generators to ensure communities can stay connected at critical times and new infrastructure to reduce flood risk to homes in the Bundaberg region.
“By working with the Queensland Government to make significant investments in mitigation projects, we are reducing the risks and impacts Queenslander's face during disasters. This means better outcomes for communities but reduces clean up and recovery costs.”
Queensland Fire and Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd said the State was more susceptible to extreme weather events than any other in the nation.
“We know in Queensland it’s not if, but when natural disasters occur,” Ms Boyd said.
“The 29-resilience building DRF projects in Queensland are largely council led, jointly funded by the federal government and managed by the state government.
“They’re designed to reduce risk and improve disaster responses to future events.
“We’re talking about projects like seawall repairs, back-up generators, microgrids and heatwave reduction.
“It’s all about maintaining public safety.
“Investments like DRF in natural disasters preparedness mean communities are better placed to recover safely, quickly and successfully.”
Examples of successful projects in Queensland include:
- A solar and battery micro-grid to supply continuous power to communities in Wujal Wujal and Degarra communities during disaster events.
- Upgrades to the Boigu Island Council Emergency Evacuation Centre so it can better shelter communities (Torres Strait Island Regional Council).
- A strategic review of shelters for disaster response and recovery in Scenic Rim, which will help establish an effective network of shelters across the region.
- Restoring a degraded, erosion-prone section of Noosa’s coastline, which acts as a primary defence for homes and businesses along the Noosa River estuary.
This is the second round of funding from the Albanese Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, Last year saw $200 million in Commonwealth funding provided for 185 projects across the country, with projects now underway.
The Round Two funding announced today will support projects in every state and territory, with a full list available at
Disaster Ready Fund - Round Two.
