The new Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will apply to disaster events from 1 November 2018, with the existing NDRRA Determination 2017 applying to natural disasters between now and
31 October 2018.
The reforms include improved autonomy for states and territories in how they deliver works, the ability for local governments to use their own labour, plant and equipment, and the ability to allocate efficiencies realised in delivery of reconstruction programs to resilience and mitigation projects.
With Queensland’s extensive experience in managing more than 60 natural disasters since 2011, and the work undertaken by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), many of the processes to be rolled out nationally are already in place in Queensland, so the state is well placed to manage implementation of the DRFA.
To assist with the implementation, QRA has developed MARS (Management and Reporting System), a user-friendly online application designed to streamline the disaster funding submission process.
MARS provides the opportunity for QRA and local governments to share the same system, improving interaction and operational efficiency. The system provides a single source of information for DRFA submissions, and a portal for lodgement, while integration with mapping supports users as they build submissions.
The system has been developed in consultation with local governments and state agencies and QRA will continue to work to ensure a smooth transition to using MARS.
MARS will be used for events occurring after 1 November 2018, in line with the implementation of DRFA.
The Queensland Government is determined to ensure our local governments and the communities they serve are not disadvantaged by the new arrangements as we continue to build the most resilient state in Australia.
For more information on MARS and the DRFA please visit www.qldreconstruction.org.au or email info@qldra.org.au.