Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)
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About
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) came into place on 1 November 2018. The DRFA replaced the previous Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
The DRFA is joint Commonwealth and State government funding, providing financial assistance to help communities recover from eligible disasters.
State funding for non-DRFA eligible disasters will continue to be administered under the State Disaster Relief Arrangements (SDRA), a wholly state funded program that may be activated for all hazards to provide assistance to alleviate personal hardship and distress.
The Australian Government's overarching DRFA 2018 publication and associated guidelines are available at the DisasterAssist website.
https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/disaster-arrangements/disaster-recovery-funding-arrangements
https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/disaster-arrangements/disaster-recovery-funding-arrangements
Key DRFA resources
Learn about DRFA, the definition of an eligible disaster, and DRFA eligible disaster types.
The updated Queensland Disaster Funding Guidelines (QDFG) (June 2026) is now available and outlines Queensland's administration of two disaster relief and recovery arrangements: Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and the State Disaster Relief Arrangements (SDRA). The updated Version 4 QDFG June 2026, replaces Version 3 and is effective from 1 July 2026 onwards.
Learn about the four categories of DRFA assistance measures available for activation under an eligible disaster. Categories A and B provide standard assistance and Categories C and D provide additional relief in exceptional circumstances.
The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and State Disaster Relief Arrangements Information Sheet provides an overview of DRFA and SDRA delivery in Queensland.
Information and submission forms for applying for DRFA funding including: Counter Disaster Operations; Emergency Works for Essential Public Assets; Immediate Reconstruction Works for Essential Public Assets; and Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets.
DRFA tool box - Guides, strategies and tips sheets to assist with all stages of a Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) funded project.
Learn about Local Government Trigger Points for the activation of funds under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
MARS Portal login for authorised councils and state agency users to support applications for funding programs administered by the QRA.
The Treatment Guide (2020-21) provides a common set of treatments for the scoping of road reconstruction works following damage by natural disasters across Queensland.