Australians will be better prepared for and protected from future natural disasters following today's announcement of almost $387 million for 164 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 state, territory or local governments.
This funding will upgrade levees, restore degraded coastlines, deliver mental health training, facilitate cultural burning, install rain gauges, deliver cyclone shelters and upgrade warning systems.
DRF Round Two sees Australian Government investment of over $54 million in 41 infrastructure projects; $67 million for 85 systemic risk reduction projects; and $75 million for 38 projects that both deliver infrastructure and risk reduction outcomes.
Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister said the government is helping prepare and protect communities before disasters hit.
“Since 2022 half of all local government areas have experienced disaster, some of them more than once.
“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.
“By working with all levels of government to make significant investments in mitigation projects, we are reducing the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for communities while reducing clean up and recovery costs.
This is the second round of funding from the Albanese Government’s Disaster Ready Fund. The first round saw $200 million in Commonwealth funding provided for 185 projects. These projects are now underway across the country.
Examples of successful DRF Round Two projects include:
- A new multi-purpose community cyclone shelter for the Nhulunbuy community providing shelter capacity for up to 1800 people (NT)
- The construction of South Albury levee upgrade (NSW)
- Upgrades to an existing leisure centre to deliver a regional multi-purpose emergency evacuation centre in Kununurra - a cyclone-rated upgrade and construction of additional facilities (WA)
- The installation of additional rain gauges on Goulburn River tributaries and an upgrade and expansion of the existing total flood warning system in the Seymour catchment (VIC)
- Restoring a degraded section of Noosa's coastline, which acts as a primary
defence for homes and businesses along the Noosa River estuary (QLD) - Cultural burning on the Eyre Peninsula as a strategy to mitigate the risk of bushfires and facilitate the exchange of cross-cultural knowledge between Wirangu and Nauo Native Title groups, emergency services and relevant organisations (SA)
- Delivering mental health and wellbeing training to enhance interactions with impacted community members following an emergency (TAS)
- The installation of thermal curtains to help keep vulnerable ACT household's cooler and safer during heatwaves (ACT).
The Round Two funding announced today will support projects in every state and territory, with a full list available at Disaster Ready Fund .