June 8, 2020
Local councils and not-for-profit organisations can apply for a share of a $13 million fund set up to help local communities better prepare for future disasters.
The Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF) is part of a joint Federal-State government five-year commitment to improve safety and disaster resilience.
The Commonwealth is contributing $4.8 million and the State Government $8.3 million.
Eligible applicants can include local councils, State Government departments and agencies, and incorporated not-for-profit-organisations.
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said because Queensland was the most disaster-impacted State, it was important to reduce risk and build resilience to these events.
“As a Queenslander, I know we’ve been doing it tough in recent years with devastating floods, drought, unprecedented bushfires, and now COVID-19,” Mr Littleproud said.
“While we are currently living in uncertain times, it is paramount we continue to strive towards a more resilient future.
“We’ll never be able eradicate disasters, but by working together we can ensure we are better prepared for when they strike.”
Queensland Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said investing in infrastructure and resilience initiatives reduced the long-term cost of disasters and enabled communities to recover faster.
“Our government remains steadfast in its commitment to build stronger, safer infrastructure across the state,” Mr Dick said.
“The nature of disasters can change, but our focus remains on protecting Queenslanders and the communities they live in.
“This infrastructure investment will also create more regional jobs, crucial to our economic recovery post COVID-19.”
Mr Dick said he encouraged councils, government departments and not-for-profits to think “outside the box” when it comes to disaster resilience and risk reduction, and to take advantage of the funding.
The QRRRF is administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
Applications for the QRRRF close on Wednesday, July 22, and can be lodged online
If successful, applicants will be required to deliver their projects within two years.
