NT organisations can now access up to $200m through round three of the Feds’ Disaster Ready Fund

Northern Territory organisations can now access almost a quarter-of-a-billion dollars in disaster resilience funding through a federal government scheme. Read the details.

Andrew Warton, the NT Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory organisations can now access up to $200m in disaster resilience funding through a federal government scheme.

Round three of the federal government’s Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) launched on Tuesday and is designed to support projects aimed at enhancing community preparedness, resilience, and mitigation efforts in the face of increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events.

Organisations, including government, non-government, councils and community groups can apply for funding to support their disaster resilience projects.

Northern Territory Emergency Services. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Round one of the DRF supported nine projects valued at $9.97m, including $4.9m from the federal government and $5m in co-contributions from local applicants.

Some of these projects included the NT Flood Warning System communications upgrade project and the Sustainable Disaster Relief Food Solutions in northern Australia project.

Round two also saw four projects – one of which being the NT emergency services Volunteer Community Engagement Course – approved in the NT, with a total value of $32.7m, including $16.3m from the federal government and $16.4m in contributions from Territory organisations.

NT Fire and Emergency Services commissioner, Andrew Warton, said the DRF was crucial to the Territory. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

NT Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, Andrew Warton, said the DRF had seen considerable success in the Territory.

“It’s important because it’s a partnership with the Commonwealth, providing funding that we may not have access to otherwise”, he said.

“This is a crucial collaboration, not just for the NT, but for all states and territories across Australia.

“It allows us to submit proposals for innovative projects and bring them to life, which might not be possible without this support.”

Mr Warton was appointed commissioner in July, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Warton said they had not received the funding for round two yet.

“The federal funding agreement has been signed, but the funds haven’t been transferred to the NT yet”, he said.

“So that’s an important point.”

This masthead has contacted the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services as to why the funds for round two have not been transferred yet.

Ahead of Australia Day, Mr Warton encouraged Territorians to stay safe.

“My advice to Territorians is simple: We’re in the middle of the Wet season, and even though it may not feel very wet right now, don’t be complacent”, he said.

“Check your preparedness, and understand that everything you do to prepare is just as important as what you do to respond.

“But my message to everyone is: Stay safe, have fun, and be adventurous, but always prioritise safety.”

Originally published as NT organisations can now access up to $200m through round three of the Feds’ Disaster Ready Fund