Communities across the country are set to benefit from a $16.8 million funding boost aimed at accelerating recovery projects following the severe weather events of 2023.

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the allocation as part of Budget 2024, with the funding specifically directed to local councils to speed up their priority recovery initiatives.

The funding, drawn from the Cyclone Recovery Capability Fund, will be distributed among 12 councils, supporting 50 separate projects vital to the ongoing recovery efforts.

These projects include geotechnical assessments for landslide-affected properties, road and bridge repairs, and the implementation of flood protection measures.

Minister Mitchell emphasised the importance of this funding in enabling councils to secure the expertise and resources needed to expedite their recovery work.

"Councils have said they require additional expertise to speed up their priority recovery projects, and this funding enables exactly that," he stated.

The minister also highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring communities have certainty about their future and are better protected against the impacts of future weather events.

"Strengthening resilience is also the focus for a number of these projects to reduce the impact from future weather events and protect communities from future flooding," he added.

As recovery remains an ongoing process, this financial support underscores the government's dedication to assisting councils in rebuilding and fortifying the affected areas, ensuring regions across the country can recover swiftly and effectively from last year's devastating weather events.