What is the DRFA?
The DRFA is a cost-sharing agreement between the Australian Government and NSW Government to support recovery from natural disasters.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) administers and oversees Category B funding, which includes:
- Essential Public Asset Reconstruction (EPAR)
- Emergency Works (EW)
- Immediate Reconstruction Works (IRW)
- Counter Disaster Operations (CDO)
We work closely with councils, state agencies and delivery partners to ensure reconstruction support is delivered quickly and effectively.
From 1 October 2025, the administration and oversight of EPAR—including funding for EW and IRW—was transferred to the NSW Reconstruction Authority. This change followed a review aimed at making disaster recovery faster, simpler, and more effective, while improving coordination and reporting across all levels of government.
While Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and NSW Public Works (PW) continue to provide engineering and technical expertise, RA now manages all EPAR, EW, and IRW claims, assessments, and funding.
How we manage DRFA
RA is the single point of accountability for DRFA in NSW. This centralised approach improves governance, speeds up approvals, and provides consistent support for councils.
The Reconstruction Coordination Branch manages Category B funding by:
- administering all EPAR, EW, and IRW claims and funding
- providing access to SmartyGrants for applications and reporting
- coordinating with State agencies for technical expertise
- overseeing compliance and financial assurance through the DRFA Management Board and Commonwealth reporting.
Our Reconstruction Coordination Team includes regionally based staff across four key regions to provide local support.
22 October 2025
Watch the webinar with Executive Director of Reconstruction, Graham Kennett and Director of Reconstruction Coordination, Rowan Howarth.
EPAR transition to NSW Reconstruction Authority Webinar #3
Download the presentation slides:
File
DRFA Webinar 3, 22 October 2025 slide deck (PDF 3.58MB)23 September 2025
Watch the webinar with the Acting Head of Adaptation, Mitigation & Reconstruction, Emma Whale and Executive Director of Reconstruction, Graham Kennett.
EPAR transition to NSW Reconstruction Authority Webinar #2
Download the presentation slides: Slide deck from 23 September (PDF 2.32MB)
19 August 2025
Watch the webinar with Head of Adaptation, Mitigation & Reconstruction, Amanda Leck and Executive Director of Reconstruction, Graham Kennett.
EPAR transition to NSW Reconstruction Authority Webinar - 19 August 2025
Download the presentation slides: DRFA Transition webinar 1 (PDF 2.14MB)
Key resources
Essential Public Asset Restoration Guidelines
What councils need to know
Natural Disaster Declarations
Check if your Local Government Area has an official Natural Disaster Declaration.
Contact
Email reconstructioncoordination@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au for more information about the administration of the Category B Essential Public Asset Restoration components of the DRFA.