Joint media release with the Hon Ann Leahy MP
Disaster Ready Fund Round 4 supports Queenslanders to be disaster ready
Communities across Queensland will be better protected from future natural disasters, with 14 projects across the state receiving funding through Round 4 of the Albanese Government's $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).
The Albanese Government will contribute $24.5 million towards projects across Queensland, complemented by a further $13.3 million from the Crisafulli Government and project partners, bringing the total investment to $37.8 million.
The successful projects will help communities prepare for and withstand the impacts of natural hazards, supporting initiatives such as levee rehabilitation in Cloncurry, a flood and river geomorphology study of the Proserpine River catchment, and a 125-metre-long armour rock revetment coastal sea wall on the Fraser Coast.
In Far North, and North West Queensland, the Disaster Ready Fund will invest more than $16.3 million across six projects benefiting the region, including $1.7 million for Cassowary Coast Regional Council's Flood Resilience Investment Pipeline Program and $1 million to provide all-weather access to the Wujal Wujal State Emergency Service facility.
The Albanese Government established the Disaster Ready Fund to reduce risk and build resilience in communities across Australia.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said disaster resilience starts long before an emergency happens.
"These projects will help Queensland communities plan, prepare and build the infrastructure they need to better withstand future disasters," Minister McBain said.
"Every dollar invested in mitigation and resilience can save many more in recovery costs down the track. It's a smarter way to keep communities safer and stronger.
"The Disaster Ready Fund is about backing local solutions to local risks, while ensuring communities have the support they need to face future challenges with confidence.
"Queenslanders are incredibly resilient, but they shouldn't have to face disasters alone. This investment is about giving communities the support and protection they deserve before disaster strikes."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said investing in disaster resilience is critical to protecting Queensland communities, and these projects will help ensure our regions are better prepared for future disasters.
"Queensland is the most disaster-prone state in Australia, and we know the importance of investing in resilience before disaster strikes," Minister Leahy said.
"We will continue working to ensure Queenslanders have the support they need to prepare for future disasters and build stronger, more resilient regions.
"The Crisafulli Government welcomes this investment and will continue working with all levels of government to deliver practical measures that reduce risk and strengthen resilience across Queensland."
Examples of successful DRF Round Four projects include:
- Aurukun Multipurpose Community Resilience Centre: This $7.9 million project will deliver a purpose-built public cyclone shelter and facility for disaster coordination, evacuation, recovery and year-round community services in Aurukun.
- Urangan Revetment: This $3.5 million project will deliver a 125-metre-long armour rock revetment coastal sea wall and pedestrian accessibility ramp as primary erosion protection for essential road infrastructure.
- Queensland Resilience Community Hub Network - Statewide Disaster Resilience Assessment and Network Design Study: This $1.45 million project will assess around 227 RSL Queensland sites to identify up to 100 candidate community resilience hubs and develop concept designs and cost plans for priority sites.
- Cloncurry Shire Council Chinaman Creek Dam Levee Rehabilitation Project: This $1 million project will deliver engineered remediation of active erosion, piping, sinkholes and embankment instability in Cloncurry's town water supply levee.
The full list of successful Queensland projects supported by DRF Round 4 is available online at Disaster Ready Fund | NEMA.
