The Albanese Government is extending the closing date for the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) Round Three project proposals to Wednesday 16 April 2025 in recognition of the significant disruption caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, as well as weather events in other states and territories.
Applicants now have an additional two weeks to submit their project proposals to relevant state and territory government Lead Agencies. Timelines for subsequent processes have also been adjusted.
DRF Round Three will invest $200 million in projects that support Australian communities to manage the physical, economic and social impacts of future floods, cyclones, bushfires, storm surges and other natural hazards.
Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister said that this decision is a direct response to feedback received from multiple impacted Local Government Areas following a number of recent natural disasters.
"This extension reflects the Australian Government's commitment to supporting disaster-affected communities by providing organisations with additional time to prepare their applications," Minister McAllister said.
"There is $200 million dollars available in 2025-26 for projects under the third round of the DRF, the Australian Government's flagship $1 billion program.
"This is a five year program of investment to reduce disaster risk and build resilience in Australian communities.
"We understand that many communities have experienced challenging times and that is why we have extended the closing date for applications."
A revised version of the DRF Round Three Guidelines reflecting these changes is available on Grant Connect.
Contact details for Lead Agencies and information about projects funded in previous rounds can be found at Disaster Ready Fund.
