Joint media release with the Hon Dr Marisa Paterson MLA
Six projects will receive funding across the ACT as part of Round Three of the Albanese Government's flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), helping to make the territory more resilient to natural hazards.
ACT communities will be more resilient to increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events, with $3.88 million investment in Australian Government funding towards projects that will deliver flood warning systems, conduct detailed flood studies, provide disaster resilience support to the outdoor sector, and run scenario planning workshops to improve disaster preparedness and risk management.
Funding of $2.41 million has also been committed by the ACT Government and other partners, bringing the total combined investment to $6.29 million.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain and ACT Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services made the announcement in Canberra today to highlight how the DRF will deliver a dedicated ACT Flash Flood Warning System.
A total of $843,557 will be invested in a new ACT Flash Flood warning system. The initiative, led by the ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES), will harness existing flood data combined with near real time weather observations and apply advanced modelling techniques to provide timely, location‑specific, and actionable warnings to the community.
The Albanese Government established the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund to reduce risk and build resilience in communities across Australia.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"This third round of investment builds on the work delivered by the Australian Government to make Australia more resilient to natural hazards.
"People in the ACT are no stranger to the impacts of severe storms, floods and bushfires - that's why we established the flagship Disaster Ready Fund.
"Round Three brings our investment to make Australia more resilient through the DRF to $600 million - and I'd like to thank many of the project proponents for matching our funding."
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Dr Marisa Paterson
"The ACT is already seeing the effects of climate change. This investment ensures we can continue delivering practical, community-driven projects that improve our readiness and make a real difference to Canberrans' lives.
"I congratulate our successful recipients on their innovative projects. They serve as an inspiring reminder of what we can achieve when governments, communities and local organisations work together to reduce risk and build resilience."
This latest investment builds on the previous two rounds of the Disaster Ready Fund in the ACT, with over $14 million in Australian Government funding awarded to 22 projects. Of these projects, all projects have started with just under half already in pre-construction or construction/delivery phase.
Quotes attributable to ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) Chief Officer Steve Forbes
"The ACTSES is proud to have received funding through the DRF to deliver the ACT Flash Flood Warning System. This initiative will integrate existing flood data with near real-time weather observations and advanced modelling techniques to provide timely, location-specific, and actionable warnings for the community.
"This is about harnessing technology to protect lives and property. When flash floods strike, every minute matters. This system will equip ESA with the intelligence needed to issue faster warnings, giving Canberrans the crucial time they need to act and stay safe."
Examples of successful DRF Round Three projects in the ACT include
- A Flash Flood Warning System will be developed to provide timely, location-specific flood alerts to ACT communities, supported by $421,000 in Commonwealth funding.
- Comprehensive flood studies will be undertaken for the Ginninderra, Jerrabomberra and Woolshed Creek catchments in the ACT, with $653,000 in funding to enhance local flood preparedness.
- Scenario planning workshops will be conducted to help government and community stakeholders better understand and manage natural disaster risks in the ACT, with $645,000 in funding allocated.
The full list of successful projects supported by DRF Round Three is available at Disaster Ready Fund.
