The Emergency Response Fund (ERF) helps Australia deal with major natural hazards.

From 2019-2023, according to the Emergency Response Fund Act 2019, the government could draw from the ERF up to:

• $50 million to fund projects that prepared for or reduced future disasters
• $150 million to fund projects that supported recovery or resilience after a disaster.

This fund complemented the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

On 30 June 2023, the ERF was terminated. It was replaced by the Disaster Ready Fund on 1 July 2023.

The ERF will continue to honour existing programs.

ERF programs

Queensland and New South Wales flood recovery and resilience package

On 18 March 2022, in response to large scale floods in Queensland and New South Wales, funding of $150 million from the Emergency Response Fund was announced.

The funding is for recovery and post-disaster resilience initiatives that supports flood-affected communities in these states.

Read the list of projects approved for funding.

Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program

On 13 February 2022 the Government announced the $50 million Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which is funded by the Emergency Response Fund. Its aim is to reduce disaster impact on coastal communities.

The program focuses on:

• adaptation and resilience
• better planning and risk assessment
• monitoring infrastructure and activities.

Read the list of successful applicants.

National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program

Helping reduce the impact of floods on Australian communities

Under this program funding was awarded to state and territory governments to deliver flood mitigation projects.

The projects, once delivered, will help to:

• reduce the impact of floods on our communities
• encourage positive change in the insurability of infrastructure
• address relevant household or local government insurance affordability.

Read the list of projects approved for funding.

Other programs

Other programs funded by the ERF include:

• $150 million for the Northern Rivers Resilience and Recovery Program (2022-23).