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Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

Information about Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and how to make a claim following an eligible disaster.

Important

Information on this page is for delivery agencies (local councils, catchment management authorities and state agencies).

If you are an individual seeking information and support after the recent bushfires, please go to:

January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

On this page

About the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (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 (delivery agencies).

A high-level overview of the DRFA is available.

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) - overview - February 2024 PPT 719 KB (opens in a new window)

The presentation below has been provided by representatives from the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and the Victorian representatives on the DRFA at Victorian Roadshows in late 2023.

Victorian DRFA roadshow PowerPoint presentation PPT 5.31 MB (opens in a new window)

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

A copy of the Commonwealth’s DRFA Determination 2018 can be found on the Disaster Assist website(opens in a new window).

Claim requirements

A fully compliant claim requires a delivery agency to:

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.

Make a DRFA claim

Delivery agencies can make a claim for the reimbursement of eligible expenditure under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Event FAQ pages and council bulletins

January 2026 Victorian bushfires (AGRN 1242) - DRFA information

This page provides information about assistance available under the DRFA for the Victorian bushfires that started on 7 January 2026.

February 2024 Victorian bushfires and storms (AGRN 1108) - DRFA information

This page provides information about assistance available under the DRFA for the Victorian bushfires and storms that started on 13 February 2024.

October 2022 Victorian floods commencing (AGRN 1037) - DRFA information

This page provides information about assistance available under the DRFA for the Victorian floods in October 2022.

NDFA bulletin library for councils

Natural Disaster Financial Assistance (NDFA) Team bulletins for councils accessing Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

If you require further assistance, please refer to the Contact us details on this page.

Resources

DRFA toolbox - resources, guidelines and forms

A library of documents, guidelines and forms used to navigate making a claim for the reimbursement of eligible expenditure under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

DRFA information for assessors

Information to help assigned assessors evaluate claims made under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Contact us

You can contact us with general questions by email: ndfa@justice.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)

Specific questions relating to claims are to be directed to the assigned assessor from the administering authority (Department of Transport and Planning).

Safety & emergencies

Updated 15 January 2026

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