Latest reports show that Australians have claimed over $100 million in assistance in five months, following the devastation wrought by ex-tropical cyclone Ellie and floods in the nation’s east.
At least twenty-seven floods have caused more than 480 disaster declarations spanning 311 local government areas across Australia in 2022. Disaster declarations covered nearly 70 per cent of Australia’s population.
The joint federal and state governments’ disaster recovery funding arrangements have been activated by 305 local government areas since July, with the Commonwealth committing to cost share up to $1.8 billion. Nearly $2.7 billion in joint funding has already been provided.
According to reports, there were more than 30 requests for non-financial support following the floods and cyclones which resulted in the deployment of the defence force and aircraft. Specialist personnel were also dispatched to Western Australia to help with the search of a lost radioactive capsule as well as to Turkey to assist with search and recovery after the devastating earthquake.
Read also: Report: Natural disasters displaced millions of people in the U.S. in 2022
National Emergency Management Agency head, Brendan Moon was quoted as saying that the bureau was also looking ahead to future disasters and this includes increasing investment in risk reduction through the government’s $1 billion disaster-ready fund.
“We’re identifying and understanding our vulnerabilities by forging partnerships with industries like the insurance sector,” he told senators on Monday. “We’re expanding our emergency management workforce by exploring and investing in alternative workforce models.”
Labour frontbencher Murray Watt was also quoted as saying that the cyclone hitting Norfolk Island and New Zealand’s North Island was a timely reminder of why Australia needed to be disaster ready. Senator Watt has commissioned a review of the funding regime.
“While we are committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with communities through response and recovery, we must ensure that the money available to individuals and communities in the immediate aftermath is fit-for-purpose,” he said.
Story was adapted from Mandurah Mail.
