Communities across New South Wales will be better protected from future disasters, with 14 projects across the state receiving funding through Round Four of the Albanese Government’s $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.
The Albanese Government will contribute $37 million towards projects across NSW, complemented by nearly $44.9 million from the Minns Government and project partners, bringing the total investment to nearly $81.9 million.
The successful projects will help communities prepare for and withstand the impacts of natural hazards, with investments including a flood mitigation project in Lismore, a Heat Smart City Plan for Greater Sydney and a flood-protected access road for Port Macquarie.
The Albanese Government is funding $26 million towards infrastructure projects, while another $4.7 million will fund resilience and risk reduction initiatives that will deliver long-term benefits to communities exposed to natural hazards.
Work to upgrade Australia’s Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) will be boosted through a $5.77 million investment from the Albanese Government to help keep communities safe during bushfire season. The AFDRS capability is supported by state and territory governments and the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Albanese Government is contributing funding through the Disaster Ready Fund Round 4 towards the upgraded system alongside state and territory contributions.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“From flood mitigation in Lismore to heatwave planning in Greater Sydney and a flood-protected access road to Port Macquarie Airport, these projects will deliver practical benefits that reduce risk and keep communities safer.
“At its heart, this funding is about building stronger, more resilient communities. By investing before disasters happen, we’re helping New South Wales communities better withstand future hazards, recover faster, and remain safer for the long term.
“The Disaster Ready Fund is about getting ahead of disasters by investing in mitigation and resilience now, so communities are better protected into the future.”
Quotes attributable to New South Wales Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“Preparedness means investing in disaster risk reduction now to ensure our communities, right across the state, are shielded from future hazards.
“By co-investing in these 14 targeted initiatives, we are giving local councils and grassroots networks the tools they need to reduce risk, safeguard local livelihoods, and help communities withstand severe weather events.
“From strengthening upper catchments against erosion to rolling out seismic hazard planning in the Hunter, these proactive measures put safety first and give local communities peace of mind.”
Successful DRF Round Four projects include:
- Port Macquarie Airport: This jointly funded $2.4 million project will deliver an alternative flood protected access road to Port Macquarie Airport.
- Heat Smart City Plan: This $2.1 million project will improve heatwave preparedness across Greater Sydney.
- Landcare led Upper-Catchment flood mitigation: Regional NSW communities will better withstand floods and erosion under a new $11.8 million statewide program.
- Earthquake ready Hunter: To tackle seismic risks, the Earthquake Ready Hunter project provides councils and engineers with hazard maps, vulnerability assessments, and cost-effective retrofitting solutions to improve regional disaster planning.
- Browns Creek Pump Station: This $9 million project will reduce disaster exposure in Lismore through pump upgrades and increasing the levee spillway by 750mm. This will reduce above-floor flooding risk for 300 buildings in a 1 in 10-year flood.
- First Nations-led disaster preparedness: More than $1.8 million for the Mob Ready Program in the Northern Rivers.
The Albanese Government established the Disaster Ready Fund to reduce risk and build resilience in communities across Australia.
The full list of successful NSW projects supported by DRF Round 4 is available at Disaster Ready Fund.
