After two rounds, serious questions remain as to whether the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) is effectively allocating resources that build genuine community resilience in the wake of natural disasters.
In Senate Estimates, Shadow Emergency Management Minister Senator Perin Davey raised concerns about the efficacy of some projects funded under the program and the lack of analysis regarding cost shifting.
Examples raised by Senator Davey include the Federal Government’s decision to allocate funds for woody weed management and willow control on riverbanks.
“Why is the federal government funding the management of woody weeds or the control of willows on riverbanks, which should be day-to-day operations for local governments?” Senator Davey asked.
“These are local environmental issues that should be addressed at the state or local level, not funded by taxpayers through a risk reduction program,” she said.
Senator Davey highlighted the importance of prioritising broad-impact projects that benefit entire communities and deliver real risk reduction, rather than funding niche initiatives or local government 'bread and butter' operations.
Another questionable project Senator Davey queried is the allocation of $3000 per household for thermal curtains in Canberra, extending an existing Territory Government initiative with federal funds.
“This is not what Australians expect from federal disaster funding and sets a precedent which should not be replicated across other jurisdictions,” Senator Davey said.
“We should be investing in measures that enhance community resilience, such as flood levees and emergency services training, not simply upgrading individual homes.”
Senator Davey also expressed concern over the slow progress of resilience housing projects, which has left many abandoned properties in Lismore vulnerable to squatters, while it has taken two years to even finalise consultation in the Central West of NSW.
“As the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes package is being rolled out, it is leaving uninhabitable houses available for squatters which poses a significant risk that needs to be addressed.
“Meanwhile, the people of Eugowra have only just been consulted on what their Resilient Homes package should look like despite the floods occurring in 2022, and funding being announced in 2023.
“I appreciate that communities should be consulted on these sensitive issues, but they shouldn’t have to wait two years for the privilege.”
As the government prepares for round three of the DRF, Senator Davey is calling for a comprehensive review of its guidelines and funding priorities.
“Australians expect federal disaster funds to be used effectively to maximise community resilience and reduce future risks,” she said.
“We need to focus on projects that deliver real, measurable outcomes rather than misallocated funds for local environmental management.”