Grant opportunities to support Australian state and territory initiatives focused on building infrastructure and developing strategies to enhance resilience and reduce risks from natural disasters.
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What is the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF)?
The Disaster Ready Fund Round Three 2025-26, administered by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), allocates $200 million to enhance disaster resilience across Australian states and territories. This grant program supports state and territory governments in developing and implementing projects that increase disaster preparedness, build resilience, and reduce the risks associated with natural disasters.
The funding aims to support a mix of infrastructure projects and strategic initiatives that align with national, state, or local disaster management plans, ensuring long-term community benefits and sustainability.
Disaster Ready Fund level of support
The Australian Government has committed a significant investment of $200 million for the 2025-26 round. This includes:
- $138 million allocated for infrastructure projects aimed at long-term resilience.
- $59 million reserved for other eligible project types that contribute to disaster risk reduction.
- $3 million for administrative support to Lead Agencies.
The minimum total project value (Commonwealth funding and co-contribution combined) is:
- $0.5 million for infrastructure funding stream projects, and
- no minimum amount for other project types.
There is no maximum grant amount, but grants cannot exceed the total amount of available project funds.
Co-contribution requirements
1. First Nations organisations and local councils located in ‘very remote’ and ‘remote’ locations:
- Commonwealth funding: Up to 90% of eligible project costs.
- Minimum co-contribution: At least 10% of eligible project costs.
2. Other ‘low rate-based’ councils and not-for-profit organisations:
- Commonwealth funding: Up to 80% of eligible project costs.
- Minimum co-contribution: At least 20% of eligible project costs.
3. All other Applicants:
- Commonwealth funding: Up to 50% of eligible project costs.
- Minimum co-contribution: At least 50% of eligible project costs.
See the guidelines for full details of co-contribution types and sources.
Disaster Ready Fund important dates
- Close Date & Time: 2-Apr-2025 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Disaster Ready Fund objectives
The primary objectives of the DRF include:
- Increasing understanding and awareness of natural disaster impacts.
- Enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity against future natural disasters.
- Reducing the exposure and severity of potential disaster impacts on communities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Disaster Ready Fund support
Eligible Projects/Activities: The Disaster Ready Fund Round Three 2025-26 focuses on projects that significantly enhance disaster resilience, preparedness, and risk reduction. Specifically, the fund supports:
- Infrastructure Projects: This includes the construction of new infrastructure or significant upgrades to existing infrastructure that directly contributes to disaster risk reduction, such as flood levees, firebreaks, and emergency access roads.
- Strategic Initiatives: Projects that align with and enhance state or national disaster resilience plans. This may include developing disaster response strategies, improving early warning systems, and implementing community education programs focused on disaster preparedness.
Ineligible Projects/Activities: Projects considered routine maintenance or standard capital works do not qualify. This includes:
- Regular upkeep or minor repairs of existing infrastructure.
- Standard operational activities that do not provide additional disaster resilience benefits.
- Projects that have commenced or have been completed prior to the funding approval.
Eligible Expenditure: Funds must be allocated towards direct costs that are essential for the completion of the project. This includes:
- Construction and procurement of materials necessary for building or upgrading disaster-resilient infrastructure.
- Salaries for staff directly involved in the project’s execution.
- Consultation and engagement expenses that directly relate to the project’s development and implementation.
Ineligible Expenditure: The fund does not cover costs associated with:
- Purchase of land or existing infrastructure.
- Activities that are part of the organization’s regular operational expenses such as utilities, routine maintenance, and general administrative costs.
- Expenses incurred before the official approval and commencement of the project as stipulated in the funding agreement.
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for DRF support.
Other Disaster Ready Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Disaster Ready Fund support
Under the Disaster Ready Fund Round Three 2025-26, only Australian state and territory governments can directly submit applications. These applications must be processed through designated Lead Agencies. These Lead Agencies are responsible for vetting project proposals submitted by eligible entities within their respective jurisdictions before forwarding approved proposals to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Eligible entities who can develop and submit project proposals to the Lead Agencies include:
- Entities with an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- First Nations organisations, which must provide evidence such as an Indigenous Corporation Number (ICN) or Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) registration.
- Not-for-profit organisations, which must show evidence of their status, such as registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
- Local councils, especially those in ‘very remote’ and ‘remote’ areas or other councils identified as having low rate-based income, which may qualify for reduced co-contribution requirements.
These applicants, referred to as “Applicants” in the program guidelines, develop Project Proposals based on the eligibility and submission requirements set forth by their state or territory’s Lead Agency. While only state and territory governments can officially apply for the funding, these Applicants play a critical role in initiating and designing projects that align with the broader objectives of the Disaster Ready Fund.
Jurisdiction | Lead Agency | DRF Contact |
---|---|---|
Australian Capital Territory | Justice and Community Directorate | DRF@act.gov.au |
New South Wales | NSW Reconstruction Authority | drfnsw@resilience.nsw.gov.au |
Northern Territory | Northern Territory Emergency Services | NTDRF@pfes.nt.gov.au |
Queensland | Queensland Reconstruction Authority | grants@qra.qld.gov.au |
South Australia | South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission | safecom.drf@eso.sa.gov.au |
Tasmania | Resilience and Recovery Tasmania, Department of Premier and Cabinet | resilience@dpac.tas.gov.au |
Victoria | Emergency Management Victoria | drf@emv.vic.gov.au |
Western Australia | Department of Fire and Emergency Services | disasterresiliencegrants@dfes.wa.gov.au |
Disaster Ready Fund assessment criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Contribution to disaster risk reduction (40%): Projects should clearly demonstrate how they will reduce disaster risks or enhance community resilience.
- Alignment with relevant plans (30%): Projects must align with national, state, or local disaster resilience plans.
- Capacity to deliver (30%): Applicants should have a proven track record in managing similar projects and adequate resources to complete the project within stipulated timelines.
How do I get the Disaster Ready Fund?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful Applicants will demonstrate:
-
- project proposals aligned with relevant government policies and the program’s objectives of increasing understanding and resilience for natural hazards/disasters and reducing their impacts
- sound project methodology with measurable and achievable long-term impact on adaptation as well as the management of potential maladaptation
- the engagement and support of local stakeholders
- value for money, including evidence of co-contribution
- the necessary capacity and capability to deliver projects in full within the agreed timeframe
Information to prepare for the Disaster Ready Fund application
Applicants looking to submit proposals for the Disaster Ready Fund Round Three 2025-26 need to prepare several important pieces of information to ensure their application meets the eligibility and assessment criteria. Here is a detailed list of what needs to be prepared:
- Project Description: Provide a comprehensive description of the project, including objectives, expected outcomes, and how the project aligns with the DRF’s goals of increasing disaster resilience, preparedness, and risk reduction.
- Budget Details: Prepare a detailed budget that outlines all projected costs associated with the project. This should include a breakdown of how funds will be allocated across different components of the project and a justification for the expenses.
- Co-contribution Evidence: Document the source and amount of co-contributions, whether financial or in-kind. This includes demonstrating the ability to meet the co-contribution requirements specified for your organization’s category.
- Timeline: Develop a clear timeline for the project, highlighting key milestones and deadlines. The timeline should reflect the project’s complexity and duration, aligning with the funding round’s requirements for project period.
- Risk Management Plan: Outline potential risks associated with the project and strategies for mitigating these risks. This should cover both project execution risks and broader risks related to disaster impacts.
- Capacity Evidence: Provide evidence of your organization’s capacity to deliver the project. This includes details about past projects, relevant experience, available resources, and personnel expertise.
- Consultation Documentation: Show proof of consultation with relevant stakeholders, including community input and how feedback has been incorporated into the project planning. This is especially important for projects impacting or involving local communities and First Nations groups.
- Alignment with Disaster Plans: Demonstrate how the project aligns with existing disaster resilience and risk reduction plans at the national, state, or local level. Include references to relevant frameworks and strategies that support your project’s objectives.
- Endorsements: If applicable, include endorsements from relevant authorities or partners, especially for projects that involve multiple jurisdictions or collaboration across different sectors.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all necessary legal and regulatory approvals are identified, and a plan to obtain them is in place. This is crucial for projects that involve construction, environmental impact assessments, or changes to land use.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for Disaster Ready Fund
Consult with your state or territory’s Lead Agency to discuss project proposals and understand specific submission requirements.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Disaster Ready Fund resources
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