Western Australia will receive more than $18 million to fund 23 local projects under Round One of the Federal Government’s new Disaster Ready Fund.
Successful projects in WA include:
- Upgrades to evacuation centres at Boyup Brook, Toodyay, Cunderdin and Nabawa to better protect surrounding communities during bushfires, floods and other emergencies.
- Supporting bushfire mitigation works and community education programs including firewise landscaping, a bushfire virtual reality program and a family-centred disaster resilience gallery to promote preparedness.
- Overhaul of the Geraldton Airport power supply system to ensure continuous power supply in critical emergencies such as Cyclone Seroja in 2021.
WA Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson said Commonwealth funding provided a vital boost for many exciting and innovative projects.
“Funding will help boost existing projects such as improved fire danger rating signage and bushfire mitigation works, through to significant evacuation centre upgrades and community education projects to teach the next generation of Western Australians about disaster resilience,” he said.
“I’d like to thank all community groups and local and State government agencies who put forward projects that will help make Western Australia a safer and more resilient State.
“I look forward to seeing these initiatives get off the ground and make a difference to community safety.”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will work with each jurisdiction to negotiate funding agreements with funds to be provided as soon as possible from July 2023. Projects must be completed within three years.
There were more than 300 applications submitted across all states and territories. Successful projects were selected following a rigorous merit-based assessment process undertaken by NEMA.
More information on the Disaster Ready Fund, including updates about Round Two of the Disaster Ready Fund, can be found on NEMA’s website.
A full list of WA projects is available at Disaster Ready Fund.
