Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

The NSW Reconstruction Authority coordinates the delivery of the DRFA that supports relief, recovery and reconstruction following eligible natural disasters.

Overhead image of reconstruction work commencing on Tatham bridges

Important: Disaster recovery funding update

The Australian Government has confirmed that the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will remain substantially unchanged. However, NSW is awaiting advice on next steps and additional details to be released for the proposed Disaster Recovery Funding Framework.  

Current funding arrangements and requirements continue to apply, and councils, agencies and delivery partners should continue delivering recovery programs and projects under existing arrangements.

What is the DRFA?

The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) provide joint Australian and NSW Government funding to help communities recover and rebuild after eligible disasters. 

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) coordinates the delivery of DRFA assistance in NSW and works with councils, state agencies and delivery partners to support recovery and reconstruction activities.

For more information about the Australian Government's Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, visit the  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) website.

DRFA Categories

The DRFA includes four categories of assistance, known as Categories A, B, C and D. These measures provide different types of support depending on the impacts of a disaster and the recovery needs of affected communities. Categories A and B provide standard assistance, while Categories C and D provide additional support in exceptional circumstances.

Category A - Emergency assistance and immediate relief measures

Category B -Restoration of essential public assets and other eligible recovery activities

Category C - Targeted recovery assistance for severely affected communities

Category D - Exceptional assistance for extraordinary recovery needs

 

RA administers Category B assistance in NSW. Categories A, C and D may be activated depending on the impacts of a disaster and identified recovery needs. For more information about these categories, visit the Australian Government's DRFA webpage.

Who is this information for?

This information is designed for councils, state agencies and delivery partners involved in disaster recovery, reconstruction and the administration of DRFA funding.

Explore Category B

Coming soon. Everything you need to understand Category B funding, including eligibility, funding pathways, project requirements and how to access assistance.

Learn more

Category B Tools and Resources

Download the templates, tools, guides and supporting resources needed to prepare submissions, deliver projects and demonstrate compliance.

Learn more

Key resources

What councils need to know

Access key information and documents to help you manage disaster recovery responsibilities.

Natural Disaster Declarations

Check if your Local Government Area has an official Natural Disaster Declaration.

 

NSW Disaster Assistance Guidelines

Download the NSW Disaster Assistance Guidelines (DAG) 2021

EPAR Guidelines

Download the latest NSW Essential Public Assets Restoration Disaster Grant Program Guidelines.

Standard Treatment Guide

Advice for local councils seeking to apply for DRFA funding.

Standard Treatment Tool

Provides a standardised framework for treatments under the IRW program.

Cost Estimation Tool

Helps councils calculate costs associated with eligible works.

Category B Controls Framework

Guidance on the controls, responsibilities and requirements for administering Category B funding

Key documents

Download DRFA Category B Subcategories for restoration works Fact sheet (PDF 459.86KB) Download Eligibility examples Fact sheet (PDF 237.72KB) Download Essential Public Assets Evidence Requirements Fact sheet (PDF 648.41KB) Download EPAR Function Standards Alternate Solutions (PDF 246.91KB) Download Essential Public Assets Variations and Review Fact sheet (PDF 175.21KB) Download Essential Public Assets Re-Damaged Fact sheet (PDF 141.18KB) Download Essential Public Assets Project Management and other costs Fact sheet (PDF 261.95KB) Download Essential Public Assets Employee on-costs for Opt-in Arrangements Fact sheet (PDF 260.42KB) Download Essential Public Asset Restoration Establishing Estimated Reconstruction Costs Fact sheet (PDF 162.91KB) Download Allowable Time Limit Category B Fact sheet (PDF 133.2KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

DRFA media and public acknowledgement requirements

Contact

Email reconstructioncoordination@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au for information about DRFA assistance in NSW, including Category B funding and reconstruction activities.

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