The funding recipients for the second round of the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) have been announced, delivering $200 million of Federal investment for 164 projects.
The DRF is the Federal Government’s flagship initiative for disaster resilience and risk reduction. Set to run over five years from 1 July 2023, the fund will provide funding of up to $1 billion.
The funding supports projects that address the physical and social impacts of disasters on communities.
Projects receiving funding in round two include:
Psycho-social supports for children, parents/carers and educators to reduce risk of long-term mental health impacts
This project is set to receive $4,264,307 and will provide support for children (3-12) and their parents/carers/educators, living in disaster-impacted areas in New South Wales likely to be impacted by future disasters. Through one-to-one, small group and cohort-wide psycho-social interventions and supports for up to 22 schools and preschools, this project will build the adaptive capacity, skills and resilience individuals and groups need to effectively cope with disaster events.
Wujal Wujal Microgrid
This Queensland project is set to receive $11,837,161 and will deliver a solar and battery microgrid that will provide community-wide back-up power when the Ergon network connection is lost during disaster events. The solar and battery generation site will connect using underground cables to power the Wujal Wujal and Degarra communities. Supplying continuous power to the communities during disaster events will ensure provision of essential services, telecommunications, food supplies, emergency housing and neutralise any need for mass evacuations.
Kununurra Regional Multi-Purpose Emergency Evacuation Centre (Stage 1)
The Kununurra Regional Multi-Purpose Emergency Evacuation Centre, Stage 1 project will receive $14,127,498 and encompasses a cyclone-rated upgrade to the existing Leisure Centre and construction of additional facilities (commercial kitchen, ablution areas, court, multifunctional rooms). The centre will meet cultural requirements for the many First Nations Communities in the Region, building community resilience during normal times through training and educational programs and transforming to an evacuation centre and emergency response hub during natural disasters.
For the full list of recipients under round two, click here.
Image: Daria Nipot/shutterstock.com
