New disaster-ready funding for Lismore

OVER $69 million in grants have been allocated to NSW to support 18 projects across NSW and the Northern Rivers in the third round of federal government disaster-ready funding.

The flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) aims to make the state more resilient to natural hazards. Funds will be invested in flood protection, levee infrastructure, emergency evacuation facilities, ecological restoration, and support for community resilience groups to strengthen disaster readiness.

Examples of successful DRF Round Three projects include Mountains to Sea, a nature-based ecological restoration rehabilitating 43 km and 128 hectares along the NSW North Coast, to reduce disaster risk and build resilience to floods, storms and cyclones, with $2.7 million in funding.

The $1.5 million Enabling Regional Readiness program will deliver tailored support to 60 volunteer-led resilience groups across Northern NSW.

The total combined investment of over $106 million is supported by an additional $37 million committed by partners.

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said the investment was about building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

“Through the Disaster Ready Fund, we’re working with councils, communities and recovery partners to deliver practical projects that reduce risk and protect lives and livelihoods,” Saffin said.

“From upgraded evacuation routes to strengthened levees and community preparedness programs, these projects are a vital part of our ongoing recovery and resilience effort.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the government established the flagship Disaster Ready Fund because people across NSW were no strangers to floods, bushfires, and severe storms.

“Round Three will benefit all 128 NSW local government areas and support state and local authorities, including non-government organisations, to protect themselves and their communities,” McBain said.

“Crucially, Round Three brings our investment to make Australia more resilient through the DRF to $600 million – and I’d like to thank many of the project proponents for matching our funding.”

The latest investment builds on the previous two rounds of the DRF in NSW, with over $72 million in Australian Government funding awarded to 49 projects.