KRISTY MCBAIN MP

FEDERAL MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

SENATOR DORINDA COX
SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA

HELPING WALPOLE TO BE DISASTER READY

Senator Cox has welcomed news that the Walpole Airstrip Fenceline construction project will be delivered thanks to $32,500 in funding from Round Three of the Albanese Labor Govenrment’s flagship Disaster Ready Fund.

The project is one of 96 being delivered across Australia to help local communities in Walpole and Nornalip to become more resilient to increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events.

The Walpole Airstrip Fenceline construction project will construct an animal proof fence around the Walpole townsite airstrip, minimising the risk of kangaroos and emus colliding with fire management aircraft like water bombing aircraft.

The construction of the animal proof fence will enable the aircraft to operate during all daylight hours, which is critical for increasing bushfire response capacity to communities around Walpole and Nornalup, which are at risk of intense bushfires.

The project is jointly funded, making a contribution of $32,500 to the project.

Round Three of the Disaster Ready Fund is providing $200 million to projects across the nation to help make Australia more resilient to natural hazards.

For more information and the list of funded projects, visit https://www.nema.gov.au/our-work/key-programs/disaster-ready-fund.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“The third round of Disaster Ready Fund investment builds on the work delivered by the Government to make Australia more resilient to natural hazards.

“Australians are no stranger to the floods, bushfires, and cyclones that impact them year-on-year – that’s why our government established the flagship Disaster Ready Fund, providing $1 billion over five years to projects such as this.

“Crucially, Round Three brings our investment to make Australia more resilient through the DRF to $600 million – and I’d like to thank many of the project proponents for matching our funding.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia, Dorinda Cox:

“Communities like Walpole and Nornalup know all too well what it’s like to face tough fire seasons. This project is a simple but effective step that keeps our crews safe, protects local homes, and strengthens our ability to respond to disasters.”

“When we invest in local solutions, we build stronger, safer communities. The Walpole Airstrip upgrade means aircraft can get in the air faster and safer – and that makes all the difference when a bushfire is coming.”

“I’m proud to see the Albanese-Labor Government backing practical projects like this one, that keep people safe and support our communities.”

18 NOVEMBER 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

MCBAIN: CLAIRE JOHNSTON 0473 406 905

COX: ALLYSHA MCINTOSH 0477 469 218