The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) has launched a national quick response grants program, to assist Indigenous organisations recover from natural disasters.

With the commencement of the 2024 financial year, the ILSC’s flood grants have been restructured to cover all natural disasters, which now importantly include bushfire recovery.

Grants of up to $20,000 are available, and the Program is a rolling, annual initiative.

In the first half of 2023, the ILSC distributed over $250,000 in flood recovery grants to 13 Indigenous groups across the Northern Territory, Queensland and Kimberley region in Western Australia.

These grants supported communities with urgent clean up works to ensure properties were safe and provided the necessary equipment for immediate recovery.

ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison said he was proud of the ILSC’s ability to provide much needed support for Indigenous organisations recovering from catastrophic flooding in the last several months.

“The ILSC recognises that bushfires, storm damage and floods are increasing each year due to the rise of climate change. These grants provide a streamlined application and approval process, ensuring Indigenous corporations have more time to focus on immediate recovery following disasters,” said Mr Morrison.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) predicts the majority of Australia is moving into an El Niño cycle, meaning bushfires are likely to be more prevalent. The UN World Meteorological Organisation confirms this forecast prediction.

Mr Morrison noted concerns with the predictions of a coming dry El Niño cycle, followed by continuous wet La Niñas cycles, with large areas of the Country experiencing significant fuel growth during the last two years.

“We want to be prepared and ensure we are ready to support our communities. This funding will quickly help Indigenous organisations get back on their feet and recover as necessary,” said Mr Morrison.

Further information on applying for Disaster Recovery Quick Response Grants can be found on the ILSC website https://www.ilsc.gov.au/what-we-do/disaster-recovery-quick-response-grants/.