Improving access to Disaster Ready funding for the Indian Ocean Territories

Dept of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications

The Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) will have greater access to funding opportunities for disaster resilience actions, following the extension of the Albanese Government’s Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Up to $200 million is available over the next financial year for projects across Australia that build resilience, improve preparedness and reduce disaster risk – as part of a $1 billion investment over five years.

Initiatives that improve collection and sharing of data, improve land use planning, or strengthen community capabilities may be eligible for funding.

Proponents seeking to deliver projects in the IOT must review the Round Two Guidelines, and submit applications through the Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) between 9am Monday 22 January 2024 to 5pm Wednesday 20 March 2024 (local times).

Successful projects from Round One of the DRF included upgrades to evacuation centres in remote communities during floods and other emergencies, overhauling an airport power supply system to ensure continuous power supply in critical emergencies such as cyclones, and supporting community education programs to promote natural disaster preparedness for communities.

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