Admin 
Applications are open for the Commonwealth Government’s new Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), which provides an opportunity to boost disaster defences in the Federal Seat of Mayo, which covers much of the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsular.
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.
According 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 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.
Federal Emergency Management Minister, Murray Watt said: “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.”
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.
About Author
