FIRST ROUND OF BILLION DOLLAR DISASTER READY FUND NOW OPEN TO HUNTER ELECTORATE

SENATOR THE HON MURRAY WATT

MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

DAN REPACHOLI MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HUNTER

11 January 2023

FIRST ROUND OF BILLION DOLLAR DISASTER READY FUND NOW OPEN TO HUNTER ELECTORATE

The Hunter electorate's disaster defences will get a boost, with applications open for the Albanese Government's new Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).

After years of intense rain and devastating flooding this program will deliver on the Federal Government's election commitment to ensure Australia is better prepared for future disasters.

Up to 1 billion over the next five years.

Emergency Management Minister, Murray Watt said opening applications was an important milestone in improving Australia's disaster resilience.

"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," Minister Watt said.

"That's why before the election we committed to overhaul Scott Morrison's failed 200 million a year in mitigation projects like fire breaks, evacuation centres and flood levees.

Working collaboratively with the states to fast-track ADF support and recovery payments to help individuals, local councils, small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations get back on their feet faster after a disaster.

Getting money out the door for resilience and betterment projects in disaster-prone regions.

Investing in Disaster Relief Australia to provide recovery and clean up support after disasters.

Taking action on future building developments on floodplains, by working with the state and territory governments through the National Cabinet process.

Galvanising voluntary home buybacks in regions repeatedly impacted by floods.