SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
SENATOR THE HON MURRAY WATT
MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Applications are open for the Albanese Government’s new Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), which provides an opportunity to boost disaster defences in Mayo.
Up to $200 million is available next financial year to state and territory governments, in partnership with councils, to invest in important disaster prevention projects.
The DRF program delivers on Labor’s election commitment to ensure Australia is better prepared for floods, bushfires, storm surges and other natural hazards.
It will provide up to one billion dollars over the next five years, from 2023-24 to help communities protect themselves against the impacts of natural hazards across Australia.
DRF projects could include flood levees, drainage improvements, fire breaks and evacuation centres to help reduce the vulnerability of communities facing high levels of disaster risk.
The DRF also supports initiatives that strengthen community capabilities, improve collection and sharing of data or improve land use planning.
State, territory and local governments will be expected to match funding under the DRF, where possible, and will be able to submit project proposals for funding until March 6, 2023.
More information about the first round of the DRF, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found on the National Emergency Management Agency’s website at www.nema.gov.au/disaster-ready-fund.
Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia, Penny Wong:
“From intense bushfires to floods, communities in Mayo are all too familiar with the devastating impacts of natural disasters and know they must be prepared.
“I encourage local governments, community organisations, and industry group to put forward their ideas to the Malinauskas Government on how to minimise the impact of natural hazards.
“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in ongoing disaster mitigation, so that we can proactively deliver meaningful projects that curb the devastating impacts of natural disasters.”
Quotes attributable to Emergency Management Minister, Murray Watt:
“Australians have had a really tough couple of years with floods, fires, cyclones and more impacting our country, and we know that these natural disasters will only increase in intensity and frequency due to climate change.”
“That’s why before the election we committed to overhaul Scott Morrison’s failed $4.8 billion Emergency Response Fund, which didn’t build a single disaster mitigation project in three years.
“We’ll now put this money to work, to protect Australians’ lives, their properties, and to save taxpayers some of the huge repair costs that are incurred after every natural disaster.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for all state and territory governments to take positive steps to safeguard essential infrastructure, communities, and industry. We expect them to work with local Councils and community groups when putting forward ideas for projects.”
Authorised by Penny Wong, Australian Labor Party, Level 4, 19 Gouger Street, Adelaide SA.
