DISASTER MITIGATION FUNDING FOR TASMANIA
Joint Media Release
Attorney-General
Robert McClelland MP
Tasmanian Minister for Police and Emergency Management
Jim Cox MP
23 October 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Tasmanian Minister for Police and Emergency Management, Jim Cox, today announced that the Commonwealth will invest over $150,000 to help Tasmania prepare for extreme storm and weather events.
“This is another example of how cooperation between the Commonwealth and the States can improve the resilience of our communities to natural disasters and emergencies,” Mr McClelland said.
The project will be led by the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) and will model storm surges in coastal areas and extreme rain and wind events.
Commonwealth funding will be provided to the Tasmanian State Emergency Service and will complement investments by the Tasmanian Government and the CRC.
“The project will provide fundamental climate data that will inform effective mitigation strategies and measures such as land use planning, building codes, development policies and communication and awareness programs,” Mr Cox said.
Commonwealth funding is being provided under the Rudd Government’s new Natural Disaster Resilience Program (NDRP) announced in this years Budget.
The NDRP integrates a number of existing emergency management programs in order to improve efficiency and allow States and Territories to focus on high priority risks including disaster mitigation works, supporting volunteers and building effective community partnerships.
Further information on the Natural Disaster Resilience Program can be found at www.ema.gov.au.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630
