Round Four of the Albanese Government’s Disaster Ready Fund has opened, building on our record investment in disaster resilience and risk reduction.
Up to $142.5 million in funding is now available to help reduce the physical, economic and social impacts of future floods, cyclones, bushfires, storm surges and other natural hazards.
Round Four continues a strong focus on infrastructure, with almost $105 million earmarked for projects that deliver lasting benefits, including projects like cyclone shelters, levees and seawalls.
Recognising the importance of a broad range of risk reduction initiatives, almost $35 million is available for projects such as infrastructure planning, capability building and natural hazards research.
Applicants have from Friday 29 May to 1 July 2026 to submit project proposals for Round Four to the lead agencies in their state or territory.
Program guidelines and contact information for Lead Agencies are available on Grant Connect and the NEMA website.
The Albanese Government has already committed $600 million towards more than 450 projects through the first three rounds of the Disaster Ready Fund. When combined with partner contributions, the total amount committed so far is more than $1.1 billion.
A further $57.5 million is being invested in four critical national capability programs that directly contribute to strengthening national resilience:
- The National Aerial Firefighting Centre – to bolster the national aerial firefighting fleet and increase national surge capabilities
- National Bushfire Intelligence Capability - enhancing Australia’s ability to prepare for and respond to bushfires by delivering a comprehensive and national-scale understanding of bushfire hazards and risks
- AusAlert – a new cell broadcast messaging system, supporting hazard preparedness, emergency response and recovery by sending near-instant alerts to mobile devices and landlines during emergencies
- Northern Australian Fire Information service - a web service used by the majority of land and fire managers in northern and central Australia, including indigenous ranger groups, to manage fire risk.
The Disaster Ready Fund is a five-year commitment to ensure the safety of Australians before, during and after a disaster, playing a key role in broader national emergency management reform to ensure government investment in disaster funding is fit-for-purpose and effective in the face of climate change.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
“We know disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe, which is why we’re investing in practical projects that help communities prepare and reduce risk,” Minister McBain said.
“We’re working closely with states, territories and local governments to make sure communities right across the country are better prepared. Our continued investment through the Disaster Ready Fund demonstrates how serious we are.
“From cyclone shelters on Palm Island to flood mitigation planning for Launceston, we’ve investing in projects that make a real difference on the ground.
“I encourage eligible organisations, local governments, and state and territory partners to put forward strong applications to make a real difference through Round Four.”
