Councils are calling on the next Federal Government to take disaster mitigation seriously. 

Experts say natural disasters currently cost Australia $38 billion a year and are forecast to rise to as much as $94 billion by 2060.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) says Australians cannot afford a lack of action. 

“This year’s Federal Budget included approximately $6 billion for disaster recovery but minimal funding to protect against future fires and floods,” ALGA President Linda Scott says. 

“Way back in 2014 the Productivity Commission recommended that the Commonwealth invest $200 million a year in disaster mitigation.

“It’s astounding that our communities are still waiting on disaster mitigation funding eight years later.

“Councils are asking the next Federal Government to accept the Productivity Commission’s recommendation and invest $200 million per year in a new disaster mitigation fund that would help us protect our communities against future disaster events.”

Cr Scott said local government is also seeking a new four-year $200 million Local Government Climate Response Partnership Fund that would support councils to reduce carbon emissions at a community level.