28 Apr 2022

Natural disaster threats mitigated through funding │ Southern Argus

A local council and a not-for-profit environmental organisation are among 10 recipients of Federal Government funding to reduce the risk and minimise the impact of large-scale disasters on Mayo communities.

The Federal Government will invest $600 million over six years into the Preparing Australian Communities Program – a local stream focused on building the nation’s resilience to natural disasters such as floods, bushfires and cyclones.

Through the program, the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association (GWLAPA) will receive $97,900 to scope, plan, model and train participants in cultural burning techniques on Peramangk Country in the Bull Creek Range.

Mount Barker District Council will also receive $1,375,818 to work with individuals, businesses and community groups on building their capacity to prepare, adapt and recover from disasters using a locally-led approach, including improving roadside vegetation, and indigenous land and fire management.

“Through community feedback, these 10 essential projects have been identified and acted upon, and I’m incredibly pleased to announce such a significant funding stream,” South Australian Senator, Andrew McLachlan, said.

“Disasters currently cost Australia $18.2 billion per year, and this has been forecast to rise to $39 billion per year by 2050, even without increased frequency and intensity of weather events due to climate change.

“In delivering this program, the Federal Government is not only increasing disaster preparedness and resilience, but also dramatically reducing the potential costs in time and money of recovery.”

In total, 158 essential projects across the country have shared in $150 million from the Commonwealth Government.

For more information, visit (https://recovery.gov.au/disast...risk-reduction/preparing-australia-program).

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