A key advocacy win secured by ALGA and its member associations in the lead up to this year’s election was a new $200 million per year federal disaster mitigation fund.
At present, less than 5% of all disaster funding in Australia is spent on disaster mitigation and community resilience.
This figure needs to rise to ensure that our communities – particularly those where exposure to fires and floods are greatest – are better prepared for climate change.
ALGA warmly welcomed the Government’s commitment to expand the Emergency Response Fund to provide support for mitigation projects, and the Government has now introduced legislation into Parliament to allow for up to $200 million per year to be used for their Disaster Ready Fund.
Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said by preparing for natural disasters we can protect lives and livelihoods, and lower damage bills from floods, fires and cyclones.
“Funding for natural disaster recovery efforts will also continue through other sources, including through Commonwealth and State Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements,” Minister Watt said.
“The Disaster Ready Fund builds upon other measures designed to strengthen Australia’s disaster management response, including the creation of the new National Emergency Management Agency, and the establishment of a Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery.”