Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)

Local councils impacted by the Victorian Bushfires and Storms commencing 13 February 2024 (AGRN 1108) and the Victorian Floods and Storms commencing 24 December 2023 (AGRN 1096) should contact us via email: ndfa@justice.vic.gov.au (External link) to discuss the availability of assistance or submit a notification of event (External link) via the online Claims Management System.

Local councils impacted by the Victorian bushfires and storms (AGRN 1108), please read the frequently asked questions section.

The DRFA is a cost sharing arrangement between the Commonwealth and State governments to support certain relief and recovery activities following an eligible disaster.

The guidelines are designed for local councils and catchment management authorities. If you are an individual seeking information about available financial assistance following an emergency, please visit the Emergency Recovery Victoria website (External link)

A high-level overview of the DRFA is available.

The Victorian DRFA guidelines align to the Commonwealth DRFA. They also help to prepare and assess claims by providing:

  • process information
  • documentation requirements
  • reference tools, and
  • forms and templates.

A copy of the Commonwealth’s DRFA Determination 2018 can be found on the Disaster Assist website (External link).

A fully compliant claim requires a Delivery Agency (local councils and Catchment Management Authorities) to devote appropriate resources in preparing the claim, understand and comply with the DRFA guidelines including providing all required information in the correct format, with structured references and within the required timeframes. This helps claims lodged to be assessed and reimbursements made to the Delivery Agency in a timely manner.

Please ensure that you are using the latest version of the documents before lodging a claim. 

You can contact us with general queries by email: ndfa@justice.vic.gov.au (External link).

Specific queries relating to claims are to be directed to the Assigned Assessor from the Administering Authority (Department of Transport and Planning).

Steps to make a claim

Information on claims for recent events

A new claims management system is now live

The new claims management system went live on 10 July 2023. Read more about the new system.