Flooding causes more damage in Queensland than any other natural disaster. For example, the estimated social, financial, and economic cost to Queensland from the 2022 floods was $7.7 billion.
The 2023 State Disaster Risk Report identifies that managing flood risk is Queensland’s highest priority. The report states that climate projections indicate extreme rain events will become more intense, influencing the risk of both flash and riverine flooding.
To support recovery and resilience, the Queensland and Australian governments have invested in grant programs. This includes the $741 million Resilient Homes Fund, which is intended to help homeowners affected by the 2021–2022 floods, and the Queensland Betterment Fund, with more than 750 projects across 70 local government areas. The Queensland Betterment Fund has provided over $533 million to strengthen infrastructure and improve disaster resilience.
Who we plan to audit
- Queensland Reconstruction Authority
- Department of Housing and Public Works.
In this audit, we will assess how effectively the Queensland Reconstruction Authority is using its grant funding, such as these 2 funds, to make infrastructure more resilient to future floods.