The Batemans Bay region will be better protected and prepared for future natural disasters following the announcement of new costal protection works funded under Round One of the Albanese Government’s new Disaster Ready Fund.

Through the first round Batemans Bay will benefit from $12,007,632 in combined investment into disaster prevention, through joint Federal and State government co-contributions.

Local members Fiona Phillips and Dr Michael Holland were thrilled to see strong investment to protect our local environment and homes from coastal erosion.

The Fund was an election commitment by the Albanese Government, and will deliver national long-term mitigation funding to help protect communities from natural disasters.

State and Territory governments submitted applications for a range of projects to improve mitigation and resilience, in collaboration with local Councils and community groups.

The Disaster Ready Fund builds upon the Albanese Government’s commitment to ensure Australia is better prepared for natural disasters.

Over the last year, the Federal Government has paid out more than $2.7 billion in recovery and resilience programs and payments to support individuals and communities impacted by natural disasters.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will work with each jurisdiction to negotiate funding agreements with funds to be provided as soon as possible from July 2023. Projects must be completed within three years.

Quotes attributable to Fiona Phillips, the Member for Gilmore.

“I’m thrilled to see the Batemans Bay region, in particular Surfside, receiving upgrades that will better prepare the community for future disasters.”

“These communities have been crying out for investment to protector our costal properties and foreshore, this funding is a winner for local people.”

“Through the Albanese Government’s new Disaster Ready Fund, we’re investing to build critical projects that will reduce disaster risk, help to reduce recovery costs and strengthen community resilience.”

“This project will fund upgrades to essential services, road protection structures, rock walls and levees to make our communities more resilient in the future.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Michael Holland, the Member for Bega:

“Our region knows – sadly, better than most – the importance of disaster preparation and resilience.

“I am pleased our governments have recognised the needs of the south coast and are investing through the Disaster Ready Fund.

“We are taking steps now to reduce risk and to make it easier for our community during and after future disasters.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:

“It is critical we do more to build defences, to better protect communities and their regional economies.”

“We know that every dollar spent on disaster resilience and mitigation delivers a return on investment to governments and households nine times over. But as a country we invest far more in recovering from disasters than we do defending against them, and that mentality has got to change,”

“This is about more than just bricks and mortar. We are changing the way Australia deals with natural disasters by planning better for the future to ensure that communities all around the country are better prepared, less exposed and in the best possible position to recover when disasters strike.”

More information on the Disaster Ready Fund, including updates about Round Two of the Disaster Ready Fund, can be found on NEMA’s website.