The first round of the DRF is set to commence in early 2023 to help communities better prepare for future disasters.
Up to $1 billion over five years will be made available under the DRF, with states and territories able to apply for the first $200 million to fund projects that help reduce disaster risk and build resilience to be delivered from July 1, 2023.
Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart said the DRF was an important milestone in the implementation of the government’s flagship disaster resilience initiatives.
“The Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to better invest in disaster risk reduction is underscored by our billion-dollar Disaster Ready Fund, which will make vital funding available for projects that curb the devastating impacts of natural disasters,” Senator Stewart said.
“The Disaster Ready Fund will address a clear need for investment to reduce the physical, economic and social impacts of disasters experienced by Australian communities.”
Projects under the DRF could include:
● Infrastructure projects: to help reduce the vulnerability of communities facing high levels of disaster risk, and
● Systemic risk reduction projects that limit the impact of future disasters, which may include initiatives that improve collection and sharing of data, improve land use planning or strengthen community capabilities.
Victorians are also encouraged to participate in the Designing the Disaster Ready Fund Survey, to inform the DRF 2023 program guidelines. The survey is available at nema.gov.au/programs/disaster-ready-fund.
“We all have a role in being better prepared for natural hazards, and this is your opportunity to have your say on the Disaster Ready Fund,” Senator Stewart said.
More information about the first Round of the DRF will be published on the National Emergency Management Agency’s website at www.nema.gov.au.
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