Local Government welcomes fast-tracked disaster recovery fund
A swifter reaction is now possible for impacted communities
by Infocouncil Team | 24th July, 2023 | General News
The Federal Government’s announcement to bring forward payments totalling almost $1.8 billion to states under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) has been hailed as a significant victory for local government. This move comes in response to the call from local government for faster support and payments in the aftermath of unprecedented natural disasters over the past two years.
Linda Scott, President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) expressed gratitude for the Government’s response to their please for accelerated federal support. With more than half of Australia’s local government areas impacted by fires, floods and cyclones in 2022, the need for swift assistance in rebuilding communities is vital.
The advance disaster recovery payment provided by the Government will play a crucial role in facilitating the recovery and reconstruction of disaster-affected communities. Recognizing that councils cannot tackle these challenges alone, Cr Scott emphasised the importance of support from the Federal Government as well as state and territory governments.
The significant number of declared disasters in 2022 and the subsequent support declarations demonstrate the scale of the challenges faced by communities across Australia. Investing in timely recovery measures not only aids in the immediate aftermath but also contributes to long-term cost savings for all levels of government.
For further information
The full article can be found here: https://alga.com.au/local-government-welcomes-fast-tracked-disaster-recovery-funding/
Source: Image © courtesy of Sky News 2022