Billions set aside for natural disasters

Australian communities bracing for catastrophic natural disasters will soon have access to billions more dollars in recovery funding.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is funnelling almost $4 billion worth of unspent education dollars into the new "emergency response" account.

Mr Frydenberg proposes to withdraw up to $150 million each year following a significant disaster, when the government believes there is a need for money above and beyond its normal response programs.

He has also locked in $5 billion for a "future drought fund" to support resilience projects.

Drought-stricken farmers are being offered $6.3 billion in government assistance and concessional loans.

Farmers recovering from the Queensland floods are being offered $3.3 billion worth of various supports.

"Over the past year drought and flood have taken a heavy toll on our agricultural towns and communities," Mr Frydenberg said on Tuesday night.

"These communities have shown strength and resilience, as all Australians have stood with them."

Flood-affected farmers in north Queensland are being given $300 million to rebuild infrastructure, replace livestock and replant crops.

Family farmers will be able to apply for up to $400,000 each.

Almost $30 million has been set aside in the federal budget to target expert growth in key markets.


Share

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world