People in WA’s Kimberley region will be better prepared for cyclones under a multi-government funding plan to boost Australia’s disaster defences.
More than 160 projects will share in $387 million from the second round of Disaster Ready Fund distributions, with initiatives including levee upgrades, coastline restoration, cultural burnings and mental health training.
In WA’s Wyndham-East Kimberley region, a $15.7 million upgrade will ensure the Kununurra Regional Multi-Purpose Emergency Evacuation Centre is upgraded for cyclone-rating.
That money includes funding for the centre to meet cultural requirements of the region, run education programs to foster community resilience, and readiness to convert into an evacuation centre in natural disasters.
On Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, $3.7 million will be spent restoring a degraded section of the coastline, protecting homes and businesses along the Noosa River.
Another $1.1 million project in Tasmania will run 300 ‘EmergencyRedi’ workshops on understanding local disaster risks and better preparing for emergencies with household and individual plans.
A $6.8 million investment in western NSW will target flood works, including crop protection and life-risk mitigation.
That project is set to affect 85,000 people across 40 urban centres.
Other initiatives include warning-system upgrades and rain-gauge installation.
Australians should expect more frequent, intense natural disasters as a result of climate change, Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said.
“By working with all levels of government to make significant investments in mitigation projects, we are reducing the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters,” she said.
“This means better outcomes for communities while reducing clean up and recovery costs.”
The projects will be jointly funded by federal, state, territory and local governments.
The federal government chipped in $200 million across 185 projects in the first round of funding.
It is part of the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund, which will be spent over five years from June 2023.
Alex Mitchell
(Australian Associated Press)