Disaster Ready Fund - Round 1 FAQs

Established by the Commonwealth Government, the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) is a new fund developed to help communities protect themselves against the impacts of natural hazards across Australia.

The Australian Government guidelines are available on the National Emergency Management Agency website.

The Commonwealth Government is committed to provide the Disaster Ready Fund up to $1 billion over a period of five years, from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028.

Each financial year, up to $200 million will be made available to states and territories through the Fund. Projects must have a maximum three year term. The Australian Government  has committed to five annual rounds, one per financial year.

No. For Round 1, each state and territory will be allocated a total baseline funding allocation of $7.5 million to support equitable distribution, subject to the Australian Government’s assessment outcomes.

The Disaster Ready Fund will transform the former Emergency Response Fund, which will terminate on 30 June 2023, into a dedicated ongoing source of funding for natural disaster resilience and risk reduction initiatives for states and territories across the country.

The Disaster Ready Fund provides investment in disaster mitigation infrastructure and systemic disaster risk reduction projects, to address any, or multiple, natural hazards including extreme weather events and geological hazards.

The primary objectives of the DRF are to:

• increase the understanding of natural hazard disaster impacts, as a first step towards reducing disaster impacts in the future;
• increase the resilience, adaptive capacity and/or preparedness of governments, community service organisations and affected communities to minimise the potential impact of natural hazards and avert disasters; and
• reduce the exposure to risk, harm and/or severity of a natural hazard’s impacts, including reducing the recovery burden for governments and vulnerable and/or affected communities.

The Australian Government’s flagship disaster resilience and risk reduction initiative is a commitment of $1 billion to be made available over five years, from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028.

Each financial year, up to $200 million will be made available to states and territories.

Dates for Round 2 have not been announced by the Australian Government. The NSW Reconstruction Authority will provide a communication update once this advice is received by the agency.

The Disaster Ready Fund program objectives and assessment criteria are currently set by the Australian Government for Round 1. The NSW Reconstruction Authority will seek to provide as much advance warning as possible regarding any changes for Round 2.

The Australian Government’s Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative is a separate initiative, funded from the Emergency Response Fund.

The Australian Government has provided an initial $11.2 million towards the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative, which will identify $150 million worth of flood mitigation projects for the Northern Rivers region and generate detailed mapping and modelling to inform future planning and investment.

More information about the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative is available on the National Emergency Management Agency website.

The Disaster Ready Fund will replace the former Emergency Response Fund, which will terminate on 30 June 2023.

Yes, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has provided written advice under embargo to all proponents of recommended projects that were submitted under the NSW Application for Round 1 for Commonwealth assessment. This written advice was provided to the contact person listed in the project proposal. All proponents of funded projects are required to provide written acceptance of the funding offer.

Yes, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will provide written feedback from the Commonwealth to proponents of projects that were not awarded funding under Round 1.

Yes. A Funding Agreement outlining the terms and conditions of this funding must be established. This will need to be signed by an office bearer authorised to enter into this Agreement on behalf of your organisation. An Implementation Plan for the project must be submitted to the Commonwealth for approval within three months of execution of the agreement.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will only accept proposals submitted on the Proposal Form.

Guidance on how to submit a proposal and form is published on the NSW Application webpage.

Proposals are due to the NSW Reconstruction Authority by 5pm 14 February 2023 (AEDT).

No, the timeframe for Round 1 is set by the Australian Government which requires the NSW Application must be submitted by 5pm AEDT on 6 March 2023.

The date and time for the NSW Reconstruction Authority to inform proponents of the outcome of the suitability screening process was extended by the NSW Reconstruction Authority by one week.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority informed all proponents of Project proposals received by the Authority by the due date of 5:00pm 14 February 2023 AEDT of the outcomes of suitability screening process on Friday 10 March 2023. This advice was provided in writing to the contact email nominated in the Proposal submission form.

Only Australian state and territory governments are eligible under the Disaster Ready Fund to apply for funding via an overarching Application comprising all Project proposals.

Applications for New South Wales will be managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Projects cannot submit applications directly to the Commonwealth.

Eligible “Project proponents” are at the at the discretion of the Applicant. For the NSW Application this can include:

1. NSW Government Agencies
2. Large Non-Government Organisations
3. Medium to Small Non-Government Organisations
4. Peak bodies
5. Local Government
6. Community groups

The NSW Reconstruction Authority welcomes and encourages NSW Government Agencies and, or large Non-government organisations to come forward with aggregated Projects on behalf of multiple Councils or community groups to achieve efficiencies and greater impact.

For example, this could mean aggregating multiple Projects that are consolidated under a single project management structure and proposal

Large, medium to small Non-government organisations are eligible provided the organisation is an incorporated body. This includes universities and non-Government schools with incorporated status.

No, projects must apply for the DRF through the NSW Reconstruction Authority only.

The NSW Reconstruction Agency is responsible for managing the applications and distribution of the funds for NSW. Projects cannot submit applications directly to the Commonwealth.

Small and or volunteer run community groups are eligible to submit Project proposals for the NSW Application provided proposals are submitted to the NSW Reconstruction Authority on the submission form by AEDT 14 February 2023.

Yes. The NSW Reconstruction Authority welcomes and encourages NSW Government Agencies and, or large Non-government organisations including Universities to come forward with aggregated Projects on behalf of multiple Councils or community groups to achieve efficiencies and greater impact.

For example, this could mean aggregating multiple Projects that are consolidated under a single project management structure and proposal.

Yes. The NSW Reconstruction Authority welcomes and encourages Joint Organisations to submit proposals comprising aggregated Projects on behalf of multiple Councils to achieve efficiencies and greater impact.

For example, this could mean aggregating multiple Projects that are consolidated under a single project management structure and proposal.

No, businesses are not eligible proponents in their own right to seek funding arrangements, but they can be a partner listed on a proposal led by an eligible proponent.

Eligible proponents include:

1. NSW Government Agencies
2. Large Non-Government Organisations
3. Medium to Small Non-Government Organisations
4. Peak bodies
5. Local Government
6. Community groups

Businesses are not eligible proponents in their own right to seek funding. This includes social enterprises, on the basis that there is no single recognised legal structure for social enterprise in Australia and that social enterprises generally have an income generating dimension.

Under probity and fairness, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is not able facilitate a referral to other proponents. If successful in the Australian Government assessment outcomes, the proponent and not the partnering entities, is awarded the funding and accountable for project delivery and risk.

Only eligible Proponents can submit an eligible Project type for an eligible hazard. A business is not an eligible Proponent and cannot submit a proposal. Where a business has identified a Project concept that may meet eligibility criteria, the business is required to identify a suitable partner to act as the lead proponent. If successful in the Australian Government assessment outcomes, the Proponent and not the partnering business, is awarded the funding and accountable for project delivery and risk.

Eligible proponents are required to develop Project concepts and the proposals directly in consultation with relevant partners that are identified by the proponent. Under probity and fairness, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is not able facilitate a referral to other Proponents. This includes internal Project bids that will undergo the same suitability screening process as all other submissions. Please note, if successful in the Australian Government assessment outcomes, the proponent and not the partnering entities is awarded the funding and is accountable for project delivery and risk.

Only Australian state and territory governments are eligible under the Disaster Ready Fund to apply for funding via an overarching Application comprising all Project proposals. Applications for New South Wales will be managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Projects cannot submit applications directly to the Commonwealth.

All Project proponents must certify on the proposal form that the proponent has read the Australian Government guidelines and understands the monitoring and evaluation obligations for successful Projects.

Project proposals must be certified by a person who has authority to sign on behalf of the organisation.

The Australian Government requires minimum 50 per cent mandatory co-contributions for all Projects (whether financially or in-kind).

Eligible in-kind co-contribution costs can include wages directly attributable to the delivery of the project, and/or supplies, materials, and specific equipment required to execute the project.

Under the Australian Government guidelines, Commonwealth funding from any source (including historical) cannot be used to cover the co-contribution, either fully or in-part.

Projects must provide written advice in the Proposal form submitted to the NSW Reconstruction Authority, stating either:

1. A confirmed (actual) co-contribution,
2. An in-principle co-contribution, or
3. A request for a waiver or reduced co-contribution.

Under the Australian Government guidelines, funds that a Project has already invested in a program or project on or any time after 1 July 2019 are eligible co-contributions (only where the Commonwealth’s contribution from the DRF is expected to extend or enhance that program or project subject to alignment with the DRF Objectives).

NSW State funding or other funding source approved for a Project after 1 July 2019 would be eligible (only where the Commonwealth’s contribution from the DRF is expected to extend or enhance that program or project subject to alignment with the DRF Objectives). If the original source of this State funding is grant funding, please ensure that guidelines for the grant funding allow it to be used as a co-contribution.

Requests for waivers or co-contribution reductions will only be considered by the Australian Government in rare and exceptional circumstances at the discretion of its Program Delegate.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will consider the requests in its suitability screening and prioritisation of Proposals, and ensure the NSW application is compliant with the co-contribution requirements of the Australian Government.

There is no set limit (minimums or maximums) on proportion of co-contribution type. For example, 100 per cent of a Project co-contribution could be an in-kind arrangement.

No. Under the Australian Government guidelines, Commonwealth funding from any source (including historical) cannot be used to cover the co-contribution, either fully or in-part.

Requests for waivers or co-contribution reductions will only be considered by the Australian Government in rare and exceptional circumstances at the discretion of its Program Delegate.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will consider the requests in its suitability screening and prioritisation of Proposals.

NSW must discuss any requests for waivers or reductions with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) before submitting the NSW Application.

Waivers, if accepted by NEMA, will be required to submit an additional form which includes a business case.

Proponents must inform NSW Reconstruction Authority in writing to email drfnsw@resilience.nsw.gov.au, no later than 14 February 2023 if your Project is seeking a waiver or reduced co-contribution so that NEMA can be advised and a decision sought on additional information that it requires to be submitted.

Recent natural disasters or high recent disaster expenditure will not qualify as exceptional circumstances.

Proponents must also provide detailed written information for the requirements to request a waiver or reduced co-contribution in the Project proposal form for the NSW Application.

Yes. Projects must provide written advice in the Proposal form submitted to the NSW Reconstruction Authority, stating either:

1. A confirmed (actual) co-contribution,
2. An in-principle co-contribution, or
3. A request for a waiver or reduced co-contribution.

Requests for waivers or co-contribution reductions will only be considered by the Australian Government in rare and exceptional circumstances at the discretion of its Program Delegate.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will consider the requests in its suitability screening and prioritisation of Proposals.

NSW State funding or other funding source approved for a Project after 1 July 2019 would be eligible (only where the Commonwealth’s contribution from the DRF is expected to extend or enhance that program or project subject to alignment with the DRF Objectives). If the original source of this State funding is grant funding, please ensure that guidelines for the grant funding allow it to be used as a co-contribution.

Proponents are expected to seek formal advice from NSW Treasury regarding suitability of using program funding for co-contributions.

Small and or volunteer run community groups are eligible to submit Project proposals for the NSW Application provided proposals are submitted to the NSW Reconstruction Authority on the submission form by AEDT 14 February 2023.

All Proponents must provide written advice in the Proposal form submitted to the NSW Reconstruction Authority, stating either:

1. A confirmed (actual) co-contribution,

2. An in-principle co-contribution, or

3. A request for a waiver or reduced co-contribution.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will consider the requests in its suitability screening and prioritisation of Proposals.

NSW must discuss any requests for waivers or reductions with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) before submitting the NSW Application.

Waivers, if accepted by NEMA, will be required to submit an additional form which includes a business case.

Proponents must inform NSW Reconstruction Authority in writing to email drfnsw@resilience.nsw.gov.au, no later than 14 February 2023 if your Project is seeking a waiver or reduced co-contribution so that NEMA can be advised and a decision sought on additional information that it requires to be submitted.

Recent natural disasters or high recent disaster expenditure will not qualify as exceptional circumstances.

Proponents must also provide detailed written information for the requirements to request a waiver or reduced co-contribution in the Project proposal form for the NSW Application.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority encourages proponents to consider funds that a Project has already invested in a program or project on or any time after 1 July 2019 are eligible co-contributions (only where the Commonwealth’s contribution from the DRF is expected to extend or enhance that program or project subject to alignment with the DRF Objectives), which is eligible under the Australian Government guidelines.

NSW State funding or other funding source approved for a Project after 1 July 2019 would be eligible (only where the Commonwealth’s contribution from the DRF is expected to extend or enhance that program or project subject to alignment with the DRF Objectives). If the original source of this State funding is grant funding, please ensure that guidelines for the grant funding allow it to be used as a co-contribution.

No. Insurance funding from floods is not an eligible funding source for the mandatory co-contributions under the Disaster Ready Fund.

A Project with a proponent based in another state or territory is eligible under the NSW Application provided the proponent submits its Project proposal on the NSW submission form to the NSW Reconstruction Authority for suitability screening by AEDT 5pm 14 February 2023.

Projects proposed by a proponent based in another state or territory must be based in:

1. New South Wales, or
2. For cross-jurisdictional Projects, must have a significant NSW-based component

All Projects submitted to the NSW Reconstruction Authority must provide written advice in the Proposal form, stating either:

1. A confirmed (actual) co-contribution,
2. An in-principle co-contribution, or
3. A request for a waiver or reduced co-contribution.

NSW Reconstruction Authority will consider the requests for waivers or reduced co-contributions in its suitability screening and prioritisation of Proposals, and ensure the NSW application is compliant with the co-contribution requirements of the Australian Government.

No, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will only review requests for waivers or reduced co-contributions in the suitability screening and prioritisation of Proposals it receives directly on the official NSW submission form by AEDT 5pm 14 February 2023.

Only the portion of the Project that delivers outcomes and benefits to NSW that requires a waiver or reduced co-contribution will be eligible under a submission to the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Requests for a waiver or reduced co-contribution for a portion of the Project that delivers outcomes and benefits in another jurisdiction will need to seek co-contribution funding from the relevant jurisdictions.

Generally, no. The Disaster Ready Fund is a disaster resilience and risk reduction initiative. It will complement, rather than duplicate, the recovery funding available under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Under the Australian Government guidelines, funds that a Project has already invested in a program or project on or any time after 1 July 2019 are eligible co-contributions (only where the Commonwealth’s contribution from the DRF is expected to extend or enhance that program or project subject to alignment with the DRF Objectives).

NSW State funding or other funding source approved for a Project after 1 July 2019 would be eligible (only where the Commonwealth’s contribution from the DRF is expected to extend or enhance that program or project subject to alignment with the DRF Objectives).

In the case that state based funding has been used within a Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) funded program to fund a resilience outcome, this portion of the funding may be considered an eligible co-contribution.

Proponents are reminded that Projects must address one or more of the objectives of the Disaster Ready Fund:

• increase the understanding of natural hazard disaster impacts, as a first step towards reducing disaster impacts in the future;
• increase the resilience, adaptive capacity and/or preparedness of governments, community service organisations and affected communities to minimise the potential impact of natural hazards and avert disasters; and
• reduce the exposure to risk, harm and/or severity of a natural hazard’s impacts, including reducing the recovery burden for governments and vulnerable and/or affected communities.

Commonwealth funding from any source (including historical) cannot be used to cover co-contributions, either fully or in-part.

Under the Australian Government guidelines, funds that a Project has already invested in a program or project on or any time after 1 July 2019 are eligible co-contributions (only where the Commonwealth’s contribution from the DRF is expected to extend or enhance that program or project subject to alignment with the DRF Objectives).

NSW State funding or other funding source or other funding approved for a Project after 1 July 2019 would be eligible (only where the Commonwealth’s contribution from the DRF is expected to extend or enhance that program or project subject to alignment with the DRF Objectives). If the original source of this State funding is grant funding, please ensure that guidelines for the grant funding allow it to be used as a co-contribution.

Investment in a Project that commenced from 1 July 2019 but has since been completed may be an eligible funding source for co-contributions.

Yes. Successful eligible lead proponents awarded Disaster Ready Fund funding by the Commonwealth may establish sub-contracting arrangements with Project partners under the Project governance structure, including for any co-contribution arrangements provided by partners.

Under the Australian Government guidelines, ineligible expenditure includes:

• projects that have already received full funding or a commitment of full funding, including projects that have received funding from another source for the same purpose, as articulated in the application (i.e. ‘double-dipping’);
• wages that are not related to the direct delivery of the funded activities;
• road infrastructure works that does not have the primary purpose of reducing community exposure to risk, harm and/or severity of a natural hazard’s impacts;
• road maintenance;
• retrospective costs, including costs incurred by the Applicant and/or implementation partners prior to the endorsement of the Implementation Plan;
• costs incurred in the preparation of Proposal to the NSW Application screening process.
• activities conducted outside of Australia;
• subsidy of general ongoing administration of an organisation;
• overseas travel;
• interstate travel, where that interstate travel is not undertaken as part of a multi-jurisdictional project; and
• the introduction of plants, animals or other biological agents known to be, or that could become, environmental or agricultural weeds and pests.

Proponents must refer to Section 5.1 (page 12) in the Australian Government guidelines published on the National Emergency Management Agency website for the list of eligible expenditure.

Under the Australian Government guidelines, eligible expenditure refers to costs directly associated with delivering either an eligible activity which the Commonwealth has agreed to provide financial assistance for under the Disaster Ready Fund or a matter that is incidental or ancillary to the agreed activity.

This includes staff (incl. contractor and consultancy) salaries and on-costs, including administration costs such as training, utilities and travel that are directly attributed to the provision of the Project.

Guidance for the NSW Application has preference for minimum $1m total Project value including the minimum mandatory 50 per cent co-contribution.

Guidance for the NSW Application has preference for minimum $1m total Project value including the minimum mandatory 50 per cent co-contribution.

Yes, the NSW Reconstruction Authority welcomes and encourages the consolidation of Projects where feasible under one program of work with a single management and accountability structure.

No, there is no limit on the number of proposals per eligible proponent. The NSW Reconstruction Authority welcomes and encourages the consolidation of Projects where feasible under one program of work with a single management structure.

No, there is no cap or upper limit of total budget per Project including the minimum mandatory 50 per cent co-contribution.

All requests must be submitted in writing to the drfnsw@resilience.nsw.gov.au for probity and fairness and all responses will be published on the webpage to ensure consistency of information to all Proponents.

Unfortunately, for probity reasons, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is unable to provide eligibility rulings on individual Projects.

Proponents can submit a written question on Project activity type eligibility to: drfnsw@resilience.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Reconstruction Authority can advise if a Projects appears to meet eligibility requirements but Proponents need to form their own view on whether the Project meets the eligibility in order for them to submit the Project.

Final determination on eligibility will be made by the NSW Reconstruction Authority under the eligibility and suitability review.

Proponents are expected to carefully review the eligible Project types for each stream in the proposal guidance document.

The Disaster Ready Fund is a disaster resilience and risk reduction initiative.

Projects must address one or more of the objectives of the Disaster Ready Fund:

• increase the understanding of natural hazard disaster impacts, as a first step towards reducing disaster impacts in the future;
• increase the resilience, adaptive capacity and/or preparedness of governments, community service organisations and affected communities to minimise the potential impact of natural hazards and avert disasters; and
• reduce the exposure to risk, harm and/or severity of a natural hazard’s impacts, including reducing the recovery burden for governments and vulnerable and/or affected communities.

It is acknowledged that in some circumstances, increasing the resilience, adaptive capacity and preparedness of a system or community could involve activities that will improve the recovery processes and trajectory of that system or community post disaster.

However, recovery activities themselves will not be consider eligible under the fund.

Projects cannot seek funding that have already received full funding or a commitment of full funding, including Projects that have received funding from another source (e.g. from another Commonwealth, state or territory program) for the same purpose (i.e. ‘double-dipping’).

If the proposed Project activities are not being funded through other sources, you may be eligible to receive funding for those activities.

A “extension” or “scaling” Project proposal for consideration under the NSW Application must demonstrate:

1. How this new Project represents a distinct program of work and its success is not dependent on the completion of another Project
2. That the Project can be commence immediately from 1 July 2023 and its commencement is not contingent on the completion of the other funded Project.
3. That there is no duplication or “double dipping” in Project costs

Proponents are reminded that Commonwealth funding from any source (including historical) cannot be used by an Applicant to cover their co-contribution, either fully or in-part.

A Project with a proponent based in another state or territory is eligible under the NSW Application provided the proponent submits its Project proposal on the NSW submission form to the NSW Reconstruction Authority for suitability screening by AEDT 5pm 14 February 2023.

Projects proposed by a proponent based in another state or territory must be based in:

1. New South Wales, or
2. For cross-jurisdictional Projects, must have a significant NSW-based component

The Proponent is required to undertake consultation with all jurisdictions if seeking to include other jurisdictions outside of NSW on a proposal submission to the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Proponents are also required to develop up Project concepts and the proposals directly in consultation with any relevant jurisdiction partners that are identified by the proponent.

Applicants can submit either for a single stage or multi-stage Project for an eligible activity type. The decision on whether to submit for an ‘implementation’ stage will depend to what degree project costs can be estimated within a reasonable margin of error (at the discretion of the proponent).

No, pandemics (including COVID-19) and biohazards are not eligible hazard types under the Australian Government guidelines.

There is no limit to the number of Projects an organisation can submit for consideration in the NSW Application.

Yes a Proponent can submit one or more Projects per stream.

Proponents are encouraged to consolidate Projects under a stream where feasible under one program of work with a single management and accountability structure, which can be submitted on a single Proposal form.

However, consolidation of Projects is only valid under each single stream.

Proponents cannot consolidate Projects across both streams on a single Proposal form.

Projects under either of the two streams that cannot be delivered under a common management and accountability structure should not be submitted on a single Proposal form. These Projects will require individual Proposal forms.

The following policy guidance can be drawn upon:

International:

• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030

National:

• The National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework (2018)
• Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements (2020)

NSW:

• State Level Emergency Risk Assessment (2017)
• NSW State Emergency Management Plan
• NSW Flood Enquiry 2022
• NSW Bushfire Inquiry 2020

All locations where the Project is intended to provide outcomes and benefits should be listed in Section 3 ‘Project summary’ on the NSW Proposal template.

The level of disaster risk prior to and after the Project must be detailed per location, unless the projects are being conducted at multiple locations within a region or catchment that is subject to the same or similar kinds of risks.

The Commonwealth’s assessment of Projects under the state Applications considers the Proponent’s capacity and capability, including where a Proponent has proposed to engage a third party to deliver services on its behalf for a Project.

The procurement activities associated with the engagement of any third party is the responsibility of the Proponent.

Proponents are expected to refer to the selection criteria in the Australian Government guidelines published on the National Emergency Management Agency website.

In accordance with Criteria Three Alignment with existing plans and strategies, Proponents must evidence on the Proposal form if a Project has a place-based focus, the details of consultation with relevant local governments and First Nations communities (i.e. practical on the ground impacts in one or more local government areas, where those entities are impacted, for example an infrastructure project).

If a Project concept has a place-based focus, at a minimum the Proponent must demonstrate in the proposal evidence of consultation with relevant local governments and First Nations communities. However, a support letter attachment is preferrable.

Attachments to Project proposals are optional.

Each attachment must have a file size limit of 20 MGB per file.

Proponents must refer to guidance from the NSW Reconstruction Authority regarding attachments.

Under the NSW Application to be submitted by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the Proposal form will be included as an attachment for each Project.

Proponents can submit up to four (4) optional additional documents, maximum of 1,000 words and are encouraged to consolidate documents into single attachments where it is feasible to do so. For example where an attachment includes diagrams or designs.

Yes. Proponents also have the option to attach responses in a separate single document as relevant. This single document must include all responses that are not directly entered into the form. The NSW Reconstruction Authority cannot accept a separate attachment per criteria.

Only one budget template can be submitted. The relevant financial year period must be noted for each cost category either 3 years FY24-FY26, 2 years FY24-FY25, or 1 year FY24.

Only Project proposals submitted on the form that is approved and signed by an appropriate officer bearer will be accepted. If relevant to the Project, this includes approval of a business case.

No evidence of building and planning approvals is not required; however if this can be demonstrated, Proponents should include this information in the submission form.

Successful Projects will be required to develop an Implementation Plan for approval by the Australian Government for commencement from 1 July 2023.

Only completed submission forms with all sections completed will be accepted. Proponents must address all questions in Section 4: Australian Government criteria including the sub-questions for each criteria. Proponents could consider what the ‘end benefits’ of an investment business case will be, and outline these expected benefits in a qualitative way. Proponents could also reference benefits realised from other similar projects (i.e. where business case development including risk information has resulted in measurable benefits for the resulting project).

Only completed submission forms with all sections completed will be accepted. Proponents must address all questions in Section 4: Australian Government criteria including the sub-questions for each criteria. Proponents could consider what the ‘end benefits’ of a design and investigation project will be, and outline these expected benefits in a qualitative way. Proponents could also reference benefits realised from other similar projects (i.e. where design and investigation has resulted in measurable benefits for the resulting project).

It is a mandatory requirement under the Australian Government guidelines that the NSW Application to the Disaster Ready Fund Round 1 2023-24 is endorsed by the minister responsible for disaster risk reduction.

To ensure integrity, fairness, and accountability and avoid conflicts of interest, Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience should not be able to provide letters of support to potential applicants as part of the Disaster Ready Fund Round 1.

Segregation of roles is crucial for any process for probity to be maintained and integrity of the process to be defendable.

The Australian Government specifically requires a response to the question as stated: “Provide clear details disclosing the Program the project was submitted to at either or both Commonwealth and jurisdiction level and the outcome of the application process. If the application was successful please detail the project funding source, amounts and the Australian Government Reference Number (AGRN).”

This means Proponents must provide the following details:

• The name of the funding program that you received prior funding from or have applied for the Project, including Commonwealth or state and territory.
• The outcome of the application process. For example was your Project successful, unsuccessful or is the outcome pending.
• If successful you must list the amount and the Australian Government Reference Number (AGRN) which can be located on the Natural Disaster declaration webpage.

No, the closing date and time is 5pm 14 February 2023 AEDT. In order to meet the Australian Government’s timeframe for Round 1, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will not extend the closing date and time.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has appointed a probity advisor to oversee sufficient separation of roles and to ensure there is no risk to the integrity and probity of the process.

NSW Reconstruction Authority staff who are involved in the development of an internal and, or external project Proposal:

• will not be involved in the screening of proposals for the NSW Application;
• will not have access to information on the process other than what is in the public domain; and
• can provide advice or assistance to other NSW Government Agencies or proponents who may also be submitting a project proposal provided:
  1. confidentiality is maintained; and
  2. the Project proponent is aware of the staff members’ involvement in the developed of another  proposal by NSW Reconstruction Authority.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will hold information briefings for prospective Project proponents to provide for guidance on how to submit a Project proposal to the NSW Application.

Information on how to register for the briefings and recordings of the calls will be published on the NSW Reconstruction Authority website Information briefings are open invitation and not individual calls.

Registrations for the briefing sessions will close two-hours prior to each scheduled call.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will also make available materials and additional resources that support the drafting of Project proposals.

Proposal advisory support is available on a limited basis and requests must be submitted in writing to the NSW Reconstruction Authority: drfnsw@resilience.nsw.gov.au

Your request must include:

• Project name
• Eligible hazard type
• Eligible Project activity type
• Confirm the Project is based in NSW

Requests will be accepted from 30 January 2023 to request one (1) 45-minute 1:1 online call to be scheduled from the 1st to 13th February 2023.

As of 7 February 2023, requests for proposal support have exceeded capacity and are no longer available.

1:1 online calls do not have a limit on the number of attendees from the Proponent organisation. However, only the provider and the Proponent organisation will be in attendance. The NSW Reconstruction Authority will not be in attendance.

Where your request for support is approved by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the lodgement of a request is deemed as consent to share your contact details with the provider.

NSW Reconstruction Authority has engaged a provider to provide the advisory support, which will not be involved in the review of the proposals against the minimum requirements or the suitability criteria for the NSW Application.

All information shared with the provider by proponents will be kept confidential; however, as advisory support may be provided to more than one Project, proponents are advised to consider what and how much information on their project is shared to the provider.

The provider cannot write the Proposal for any party or provide any evaluation type information on the project itself or the Proposal.

No information in the calls with the provider can be relied on unless otherwise confirmed in writing and parties are to form their own view on what and how much of the advice provided is taken on board.

Due to capacity restraints on this support, the NSW Reconstruction Authority reserves the right to decline the provision of this advisory support if the request if too close to the closing of the project proposals and/or where the advisory support is at capacity. Proponents will be advised in writing on the outcome of the request for Proposal Support.

Project proponents are also encouraged to refer to the detailed Glossary in Section 15 of the Australian Government guidelines when completing the Project proposal form.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has complete discretion on Projects that will be submitted to the Australian Government under the NSW Application for assessment by the Australian Government.

Assessment of the state Application and awarding of funding will be coordinated by the Australian Government. Refer to Section 10 of the Australian Government guidelines for more information on its assessment process.

Project Proponents are also required to review the Australian Government guidelines on the National Emergency Management Agency website.

Assessment of the state and territory Applications and awarding of funding to successful Projects will be coordinated by the Australian Government.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will undertake a robust suitability check and prioritisation process to determine which Projects will be put forward in the NSW Application.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has complete discretion on Projects that will be submitted to the Australian Government under the NSW Application for assessment by the Australian Government.

As the lead agency for NSW for the Disaster Ready Fund, the ministerial endorsement will be coordinated by the NSW Reconstruction Authority by the due date of the NSW Application to the Commonwealth by AEDT 5pm 6 March 2023.

No, the suitability screening and prioritisation process is subject to probity and confidentiality arrangements.

All individual Proponents will receive written advice on the outcome of this process.

All successful Projects awarded by the Australian Government will be publicly announced.

The Australian Government’s assessment criteria is consistent for both streams. The Australian Government’s assessment methodology is not provided to states and territories under its probity arrangements.

Selection of a Project to be included in the NSW Application is no guarantee of funding to be provided under this program. Awarding of funding is subject to the Australian Government’s assessment process.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has appointed O’Connor Marsden & Associates as the probity advisor for this program.

Should you have any concerns regarding the probity or integrity of this program please email to the NSW Reconstruction Authority in the first instance at: drfnsw@resilience.nsw.gov.au 

Lodgement of a Project proposal will be taken as consent for the information to be shared with the Commonwealth for the purpose of submission of the NSW Application.

Lodgement of a Project proposal will also be taken as consent for the information to be shared with other NSW Government agencies providing advice under probity arrangements for the suitability and prioritisation process.

Yes. Presentation slides are  published on the NSW Application webpage and notified to all registrants.

This information session are recorded to ensure documentation of questions to be updated to the Frequently Asked Questions on the Disaster Ready Fund NSW Application webpage.

The recording retained by the NSW Reconstruction Authority is not for distribution and will not be published.