Joint media release with Jaclyn Symes MP
Up to $8 million in grant funding from the Albanese and Andrews Governments is now available for projects that reduce the risk and impact of natural disasters on Victorian communities and economies.
Floodplain management authorities, municipal councils, volunteer groups, Victorian Government departments, other non-government emergency management organisations, small businesses and research institutions will be able to apply for grants of up to $250,000 under the latest round of the Risk and Resilience Grants Program.
The program forms part of the National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Disaster Risk Reduction, an agreement between the Commonwealth, states and territories to reduce the risk and impact of natural disasters in line with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework.
Projects must focus on one of three key themes:
- Climate change - supporting adaptation, risk reduction and mitigation initiatives that reduce disaster risk.
- Designing for risk and resilience - supporting initiatives that strengthen the resilience of Victorian infrastructure including government and community infrastructure.
- Managing local and regional risks and building resilience - supporting initiatives that improve understanding of local or regional disaster risks, strengthen accountability for and governance of regional risks, and support initiatives that are seeking to directly reduce disaster risk at a local or regional level.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the program themes for this round encourage projects that take steps towards long-term resilience.
"We know that even after floods and fires, the risk of disaster remains," Minister Watt said.
"This funding shows that both levels of government are shifting our focus to better protect communities before an event, as well as supporting them as they recover.
"The best ideas come from the communities the funding is intended to support and I encourage eligible parties to put forward projects."
Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said the projects funded by these grants would play an important role in making communities safer.
"We're proud to keep supporting the Risk and Resilience Grants Program as part of our commitment to reduce the risk of natural disasters and make communities more involved in the process," Minister Symes said.
"We know that severe weather events and natural disasters are happening more frequently, and locals know best on what their communities need to face this. This program helps both locals and governments understand what's needed before and after major incidents."
"These grants make Victorian towns safer places to live and work, as well as protecting wildlife, jobs and tourism."
More information on the program and how to apply is available at Emergency Management Victoria's Grants and Awards page.
