GIPPSLAND will be better protected and prepared for future natural disasters following the announcement of six local projects funded under Round One of the federal government’s new Disaster Ready Fund.
Through the first round, the region will benefit from $8,857,382 in combined investment into disaster prevention, through the federal, state and delivery partner co-contributions, according to Victorian Senator Raff Ciccone.
Senator Ciccone said local projects included new seawalls, a retarding basin feasibility study, swale and levee construction, and community resilience programs.
“Gippsland faces the threat of bushfires and floods every year. These natural disasters are becoming more common and more dangerous due to climate change,” Senator Ciccone said.
“Through the Albanese government’s new Disaster Ready Fund, we’re investing up to $1 billion in Commonwealth funding over five years to build critical projects that will reduce disaster risk, help to reduce recovery costs and strengthen community resilience across Australia, including in the Gippsland region.
“In addition to investing in key infrastructure projects, we will work with skilled business volunteers to deliver facilitated workshops to reduce risk exposure and build resilience to natural disasters.”
The fund was an election commitment by the federal government, and promises to deliver national long-term mitigation funding to help protect communities from natural disasters.
State and territory governments submitted applications for a range of projects to improve mitigation and resilience, in collaboration with local councils and community groups.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said while the federal government would continue to support areas impacted by disasters, it was critical more was done to build defences, to better protect communities and their regional economies.
“We know that every dollar spent on disaster resilience and mitigation delivers a return on investment to governments and households nine times over,” Minister Watt said.
“But as a country we invest far more in recovering from disasters than we do defending against them, and that mentality has got to change.
“This is about more than just bricks and mortar. We are changing the way Australia deals with natural disasters by planning better for the future to ensure that communities all around the country are better prepared, less exposed and in the best possible position to recover when disasters strike.”
The Disaster Ready Fund builds upon the federal government’s commitment to ensure Australia is better prepared for natural disasters.
Over the last year, the federal government has paid out more than $2.7 billion in recovery and resilience programs and payments to support individuals and communities impacted by natural disasters.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will work with each jurisdiction to negotiate funding agreements, with money to be provided as soon as possible from July 2023. Projects must be completed within three years.
There was more than 300 applications submitted across all states and territories. Successful projects were selected following a rigorous merit-based assessment process undertaken by NEMA.
More information on the Disaster Ready Fund, including updates about Round Two of the Disaster Ready Fund, can be found on NEMA’s website: https://nema.gov.au/
