Joint media release with Dr Marisa Paterson MLA and Suzanne Orr MLA
Communities across the Australian Capital Territory will be better protected from future natural disasters, with seven projects across the territory receiving funding through Round Four of the Albanese Government's $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.
The Albanese Government will contribute $11.7 million towards projects across the ACT, complemented by a further $18.4 million from the ACT Government and project partners, bringing the total investment to more than $30 million.
The successful projects will help communities prepare for and withstand the impacts of natural hazards, with investments supporting initiatives such as stormwater infrastructure improvements, nature-based flood mitigation, and camera-based bushfire detection.
The funding will support two infrastructure projects, as well as three resilience and risk reduction initiatives, delivering long-term benefits to communities exposed to natural hazards.
The Territory is also leading two multi-jurisdictional projects.
The Albanese Government established the Disaster Ready Fund to reduce risk and build resilience in communities across Australia.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe and that's why we established the Disaster Ready Fund - to build resilience before disaster strikes.
"By partnering with the ACT Government and local organisations, we're delivering more than $30 million in resilience measures that will help protect lives, infrastructure and the environment for years to come."
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Dr Marisa Patterson MLA:
"Every year, natural disasters remind us of the impact they can have on communities across the ACT.
"While we can't always prevent these events from occurring, we can take practical steps to ensure we are better prepared for them.
"I welcome this record investment in Disaster Ready funding and thank the Federal Government for its support.
"The ACT Government is equally committed to building our community's resilience, which is why we are also making a record contribution to these important projects.
"These initiatives will strengthen our preparedness, reduce future risks, and deliver benefits right across the community. I look forward to seeing them progress."
Quotes attributable to ACT Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Minister Suzanne Orr MLA:
"Our climate is changing and this is having a direct impact on the severity of natural disasters and how the ACT needs to be prepared for them.
"These Disaster Ready Fund projects demonstrate a practical approach to embedding climate risk into disaster preparedness, while supporting objectives under the ACT's Climate Change Strategy.
"Whether it's flood mitigation or infrastructure improvements, the ACT Government welcomes working with the Australian Government to improve community preparedness and support our resilience to natural disasters."
Quotes attributable to Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher:
"Canberrans know all too well the devastating impact natural disasters can have on our community.
"This $30 million investment will help make Canberra safer and better prepared for future disasters, from reducing flood risks to improving early bushfire detection.
"It's another example of the Australian and ACT governments working together to deliver improvements that protect our community."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Canberra Alicia Payne:
"Here in the ACT we know all too well how catastrophic the impacts of disasters can be, which is why this $11.7 million investment in disaster readiness by the Albanese Labor Government is so important.
"This Disaster Ready funding will help our community be more prepared in the event of severe flooding or bushfire."
Quotes attributable to Member for Fenner Andrew Leigh:
"When it comes to natural disasters, prevention can be cheaper than repair.
"I'm particularly pleased that Hall Village will receive $3.6 million in federal funding to improve drainage and reduce flood risks.
"Hall is one of Canberra's historic gems, and this investment will help protect its homes and community.
"From smarter stormwater systems to better bushfire detection, these investments will help keep Canberra safe when nature throws its worst at us."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bean David Smith:
"Canberra's climate and surrounds leave it exposed to a number of climate disasters, and this is most strongly felt in Canberra's south.
"This funding will help ensure that our community is prepared for dangerous climate events well into the future."
Examples of successful DRF Round Four projects include:
- Flood Mitigation through Re-naturalisation of Urban Waterways: This $15.8 million project will re-naturalise a section Yarralumla Creek to demonstrate how nature-based solutions can reduce flood risk.
- Hall Village Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements: This $5.9 million project will deliver targeted drainage upgrades and flood mitigation measures across the Village to better manage stormwater and flood flows, with $3.6 million in federal funding.
- SmokeBench: This $4.3 million project will establish Australia's first national capability for independently evaluating camera-based bushfire detection technologies while enhancing smoke intelligence from camera networks.
The full list of successful ACT projects supported by DRF Round 4 is available online Disaster Ready Fund.
