Western Australia will be better prepared for disasters with $2.18 million in funding awarded to projects aiming to increase disaster resilience.
The funding is being provided under the joint Commonwealth-State National Disaster Risk Reduction grants program, which aims to reduce the risk and impact of bushfires and other natural hazards in line with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said seven grants will be given to emergency groups and a local government, each with the goal of improving their preparation for disasters.
"For example, $1.3 million will be allocated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to develop design requirements for a new-generation public information warning system," Minister McKenzie said.
"More than $363,000 has been allocated to supporting the roll out of the Australian Fire Danger Ratings System in WA by providing targeted community education and awareness products.
"The Federal Government will continue to provide assurance and invest in safeguarding our communities with the right resources to overcome adversities faced by natural disasters.
"Investing in risk reduction and mitigation better prepares communities and reduces the loss and suffering so often caused by natural disasters."
Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Reece Whitby said the Risk Reduction grants enabled important projects to be funded and assist the community.
"It is through working together with governments, not-for-profits and industry organisations that the grants are able to help prepare and protect communities from the threat of natural disasters," Minister Whitby said.
"The grants are helping fund projects big and small, including $8,603 to help the Shire of Woodanilling establish an alternative portable power source at one of its emergency evacuation centres.
"The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions will receive $55,000 to help build the capacity of the Indigenous Martu community to mitigate their bushfire risks.
"And a grant of $240,000 will assist a working group to create a consolidated dataset of mobile phone towers to identify how to improve regional telecommunications availability and reliability during natural disasters.
"Thank you to all who applied and congratulations to those who have successfully secured funds. I look forward to seeing the great changes each project brings to the State."
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework outlines a national, comprehensive approach to better understand and minimise disaster risks and strengthen resilience.
A full list of grant recipients in WA under the National Disaster Risk Reduction Program can be found at https://semc.wa.gov.au/funding/ndrr
