
SNOWY Valleys will be better prepared for and protected from future natural disasters following a funding announcement through the Federal Government’s flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).
The successful projects across Eden-Monaro form part of almost $387 million for 164 projects in Round Two of the DRF.
These projects will significantly reduce disaster risk and build long-term resilience in the face of increasing disasters, and are jointly funded with state, territory or local governments.
Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister said the government is helping prepare and protect communities before disasters hit.
“Since 2022 half of all local government areas have experienced disaster, some of them more than once,” Minister McAllister said.
“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.
“By working with all levels of government to make significant investments in mitigation projects, we are reducing the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for communities while reducing clean up and recovery costs.”
Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said the Federal Government is significantly investing in disaster resilience and risk reduction.
“We know all too well the risks associated with natural disasters – we are getting on with the job of reducing future disaster impacts,” Ms McBain said.
“Eden-Monaro communities will be safer thanks to our Disaster Ready Fund – the first round saw $200 million in Commonwealth funding provided for 185 projects. These projects are now underway across the country.”
The Snowy Valleys:
• Is one of 11 council areas to receive psycho-social supports for children, parents/carers and educators to reduce risk of long-term mental health impacts.
The program supports children (3-12) and their parents/carers/educators, living in disaster-impacted areas likely to be impacted by future disasters. Through one-to-one, small group and cohort-wide psycho-social interventions/supports for up to 22 schools/preschools, we will build the adaptive capacity, skills and resilience individuals and groups need to effectively cope with disaster events.
• Is one of 10 councils to receive the CRJO Disaster Adaptation Preparedness Support Program.
Supports member councils to increase disaster resilience, adaptation, and preparedness through. Regional DAP/Local DAPs commenced Implementation of DRRF outcomes including maturity modelling DRRF integration into IP&R framework. Capacity building Working Group and alignment with state strategic frameworks Simtable workshops and training/loans 3-year Disaster Dashboard subscription Advocate investment in resilient infrastructure.
• Is one of 66 NSW councils to benefit from the building systemic adaptive capacity for Illawarra/Shoalhaven and coordinate alignment of resilience initiatives across regional NSW.
This project will build disaster adaptation capacity of councils, communities and key stakeholders through systemic embedding of hazard mitigation and resilience plans and resources which enhance current frameworks to reduce disaster exposure and vulnerability. A supporting statewide coordination model will apply learnings and increase resilience maturity across multiple regions.
• Is one of 31 councils to benefit from the NSW Bush Fire Inquiry Recommendation 17 – Neighbourhood Safer Places.
The provision of existing NSW Rural Fire Service Brigade stations (or suitable alternatives) as Neighbourhood Safer Places in remote communities, for community use during bush fire events. This will require establishment of Asset Protection Zones and building works to increase building resilience from a bush fire and enhance community safety.