A new national programme aimed at identifying and tackling natural disaster risk priorities across the nation was recently launched by the Australian Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Senator Ian Campbell. The Natural Disaster Mitigation Programme will fund works, measures and related activities that contribute to safer, sustainable communities so that they are better able to withstand the effects of natural disasters.
Priority will be given to projects that are derived from or contribute to strategies to address fundamental causes, rather than symptoms. The Australian Government has committed $15 million to the programme for the 2004–05 year.
Natural disasters such as floods, bushfires and tropical cyclones occur regularly across the Australian continent and cost more than $1.14 billion each year. Scientific research indicates that more extreme weather events, and large scale single events with more severe cyclones, storms and floods, are likely in the future.
The challenge for natural disaster mitigation is to reduce the current natural disaster damage bill and the immense personal toll that natural disasters wreak on Australia’s communities, but also to pre-empt the potential increase in future damage. At the same time, governments need to continue to respond to issues associated with sustainable occupation and use of natural disaster prone areas.
The programme is a partnership between the Australian Government, State and Territory Governments and local agencies such as the state emergency services or rural fire services. State and Territory Governments are required to match Australian Government funding, with Local Government also making a contribution.
Senator Campbell said that the programme represented a shift in focus from disaster response and reaction to anticipation and mitigation.
The Natural Disaster Mitigation Programme was introduced following a review of natural disaster relief, recovery and mitigation arrangements commissioned by the Council of Australian Governments three years ago and endorsed in principle by the Council last December.
Funds are available for a wide range of projects including risk management studies, warning systems, community awareness campaigns and structural works to protect against damage. The application period for funding of suitable projects in 2004–05 commenced on 1 May with advertisements in major newspapers and letters sent to all councils and other eligible organisations. Applications will close on 14 July.
For a copy of the information kit or more information about the programme contact Veronica O’Brien on (02) 6274 8075 or visit www.dotars.gov.au/naturaldisasters.
