$13 million to reduce disaster risk across NSW

A range of projects aimed at reducing the risk posed by future disasters will share in almost $13 million from the Australian and New South Wales governments.
 
The joint funding is being provided to educational institutions, Government agencies and not-for-profit organisations through the State Risk Reduction stream of the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF) to deliver projects that better protect communities against future natural disasters, including research programs, useable tools like apps and awareness campaigns.
 
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the funding is being allocated to projects that have a State-wide impact.
 
“Investing in ways that reduce the severity and impact of natural disasters is a high priority. We stand ready to work with all levels of government, community members and organisations to achieve this,” Minister Watt said.
 
“Over the past three years New South Wales has copped disaster after disaster which have left communities reeling. Recovery is ongoing and we continue to support those efforts, but it is equally important to make sure we are investing in risk reduction projects for future disasters.”
 
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the State Risk Reduction stream of the DRRF targets projects which will better protect communities.
 
“The $13 million will go towards helping communities be better prepared for when future disasters inevitably strike,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“The projects receiving funding cover a range of hazards including floods, fires, heatwaves and storms, with initiatives ranging from capability building and community engagement to new data systems and technology.”
 
The DRRF offers $52 million in total to build resilience and help reduce, mitigate and manage the risks of future disasters.
 
Some of the successful funding recipients include the Bushfire Building Council of Australia for the creation of a building assessor app and training program to improve the disaster resilience and energy efficiency of homes, and the Department of Planning and Environment to undertake flood hazard projects under plausible climate change scenarios.
 
For a list of recipients of the first round of funding, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw/disaster-risk-reduction-fund.