In this week’s Budget, the Australian government pledged to invest an extra $79.3 million to strengthen efforts to prepare for and combat major natural disasters.

A comprehensive ‘Disaster Resilience Australia Package’ will integrate a number of existing emergency management grant programs, “providing the flexibility to effectively meet the requirements of local communities threatened by disaster”. The additional funding will be part of this new package.

The package will integrate the current Bushfire Mitigation Program (BMP), Natural Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP), and the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (NEVSF). The funding will:
* Support disaster mitigation works including flood levees and fire breaks;
* Assist local government meet its emergency management
responsibilities;
* Support the work of volunteers in emergency management;
* Build partnerships with business and community groups to improve their ability to respond to emergencies.

•Date: 14th May 2009• Region: Australia •Type: Article •Topic: DR general
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