Australia’s preparedness, response and recovery from natural disasters will be strengthened following the establishment of the new National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on 1 September.

NEMA brings together the capabilities of Emergency Management Australia and the National Recovery and Resilience Agency into a single agency for the first time. 

This change will deliver a more coordinated approach from the Australian Government, around response to emergencies and preparing for future hazards.

Communities in Western Australia’s Kimberley region impacted by Tropical Cyclone Anika are encouraged to apply for disaster recovery assistance.

Assistance is provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), ensuring local governments are supported in their recovery journey.

Tropical Cyclone Anika made landfall in the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley and impacted Kimberley communities between February 26 and March 4.

​A new $1 million support program will provide $10,000 grants to small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in Kangaroo Valley that suffered significant financial losses due to prolonged road closures during the February-March 2022 flood event.

The local government areas (LGAs) of Cabonne and Walgett will receive joint Commonwealth-State disaster assistance following severe weather and flooding experienced in June and July.

This brings to 44 the total number of LGAs receiving assistance under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said river system flooding resulting from the late June event has now impacted regions further inland.

Applications open today for a $30 million recovery package which supports repair works for arts and culture, sports and Aboriginal-owned community infrastructure damaged in the February-March flood event.

The eligible Local Government Areas are Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Hawkesbury, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the majority of the works are being funded as part of the jointly-funded $150 million Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package (CLIRP) announced in April.

The Australian Government has today announced a $75 million investment in flood mitigation and infrastructure resilience programs for New South Wales.

The support will be delivered across the 62 local government areas (LGAs) which were disaster-declared after the February-March flood event.

The program is wholly funded by the Commonwealth Government’s Emergency Response Fund, but will be delivered by New South Wales Government agencies, including Resilience NSW, the Department of Regional NSW and the Department of Planning and Environment.

The program includes:

Disaster assistance is now available in a further three local government areas (LGAs) following severe storms and flash flooding across the southern regions of NSW from 5 January 2022 onwards.

The additional three LGAs are Berrigan, Edward River and Weddin.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said damages to council roads and associated infrastructure had been significant. 

More people in New South Wales impacted by this year’s flooding disaster will have access to financial help from today.   

The Australian Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) for people in Lake Macquarie, Strathfield and Waverley. 

This one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is available to people who live in those Local Government Areas (LGAs) and who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.

Applications are now open for the Large Anchor Business Support Grant Program, to help the Northern Rivers recover from this year’s devastating, widespread floods.

Large businesses crucial to the long-term economic prosperity of the region can now apply for their share of the $44.3 million grants package, funded by the Australian Government.