Responding to natural disasters can put significant financial pressure on councils. In recognition of this, the Tasmanian Government provides funding to councils for eligible recovery activities under the Natural Disaster Relief to Local Government Policy.

Under the policy, councils determine what assistance it makes available to individuals and communities and prioritise recovery activities.

When the policy is activated, the Tasmanian Government may fund up to 75 per cent of eligible assistance measures made available by councils to individuals and communities. Eligible assistance measures may include:

  • personal hardship and distress assistance, including the operation of evacuation and recovery centres
  • counter disaster operations
  • the reconstruction of essential public assets.