Federal justice minister Michael Keenan and Western Australian emergency services minister Joe Francis announced $12.5 million in funding to support WA communities to develop their resilience to natural disasters on Friday.
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Mr Keenan said the funding was being provided as part of the $52 million national partnership agreement on natural disaster resilience, with the Commonwealth and WA each contributing $6.26 million.
“Preparing for, withstanding and recovering from disasters is not something the government can do alone – we need everyone in the community to get involved,” he said.
“That is why we work with state and territory governments through the national partnership agreement, to support local projects that mitigate local risks and contribute to safer, more sustainable communities.”
Mr Francis said the collaboration would deliver programs that demonstrate the importance of understanding and communicating risks to all levels of the community, and will enhance capability, response and recovery activities.
“Natural disasters are a fact of life for West Australians, but a community that is prepared is in a better position to save lives and property,” Mr Francis said.
Of the $6.26 million in Commonwealth funding, $2 million would be assigned to the natural disaster resilience competitive grants program, open to applicants involved in emergency management.
Applications for the grants program were to open on December 9 and would close on February 22, 2017.
Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 would be available to successful applicants.
Further information in relation to eligibility and applications is available by emailing ndrp@oem.wa.gov.au or by calling 9482 1706.
