Joint media release with the Hon Dan Cregan MP
South Australians will be better prepared and protected for future natural disasters following today's announcement of over $47 million for 18 local projects through the Albanese Government's flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).
These projects significantly reduce disaster risk and build long-term resilience in the face of increasing disasters and are jointly funded with the South Australian or local governments. Funded projects in South Australia includes:
- the reintroduction of cultural burning to mitigate bushfire risk
- upgrading drainage systems to prevent floodwaters from affecting key infrastructure
- supporting Indigenous communities with traditional land management
- delivering first aid workshops in remote communities
- repairing a sea wall to prevent erosion and enhance public safety.
DRF Round Two sees Commonwealth investments of over $4.3 million in 3 infrastructure projects; over $12 million for 13 systemic risk reduction projects; and over $3.8 million for 2 projects that both deliver infrastructure and risk reduction outcomes.
This funding is part of a long-term commitment to enhance Australia's capacity to respond, adapt and recover by investing up to $1 billion over the next five years in resilience.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister said the government is helping prepare and protect South Australian communities before disasters hit.
"We know that our climate is changing, and Australians can expect to experience more intense and more frequent natural disasters, which is why the Albanese Government is acting to prepare and protect communities from natural disasters and their impacts.
"Since 2022 around a third of the local government areas in South Australia have experienced disaster. The Albanese Government is working with communities to build resilience like upgrading drainage system to better manage floodwaters and facilitate cultural burning to reduce bushfire risk on the Eyre Peninsula.
"By working with the South Australian Government to make significant investments in mitigation projects, we are reducing the risks and mpacts South Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for communities but reduces clean up and recovery costs."
South Australian Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, the Hon Dan Cregan, said the projects would ensure metropolitan and regional communities were better equipped to respond to future disasters.
"The diverse range of projects being delivered - from grassroots initiatives to large-scale efforts - demonstrates the readiness of South Australians to work together to address the impact of disasters on our communities," Minister Cregan said.
"These grants, in partnership with the Commonwealth, will build on previous work to limit the impact of disasters, while helping South Australians respond and recover quicker amid a changing climate and more severe conditions."
Further information
This is the second round of funding from the Albanese Government's Disaster Ready Fund, Last year saw $200 million in Commonwealth funding provided for 185 projects across the country, with projects now underway.
The Round Two funding announced today will support projects in every state and territory, with a full list available at Disaster Ready Fund .
