Natural Disaster
Relief and Recovery
Arrangements
in the
Northern Territory
Administrative
Guidelines
1. AIM OF THE GUIDELINES
3
2. NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY ARRANGEMENTS (NDRRA)
3
3. HOW TERRITORY EXPENDITURE IS CALCULATED AND CLAIMED
3
3.1.
4
DEFINITION OF TERRITORY EXPENDITURE
3.1.1.
TERRITORY EXPENDITURE EXCLUSIONS
4
3.1.2.
EXAMPLES
4
3.2.
DEFINITION OF ALLOWABLE TIME LIMIT
5
3.3.
DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE DISASTERS
5
3.4.
DEFINITION OF RELIEF MEASURES
5
4. FUNDING
4.1.
6
TREASURER’S ADVANCE
6
5. AGENCY NDRRA RETURNS
6
5.1.
GST TREATMENT
6
5.2.
AUDITING
7
5.2.1.
5.3.
THE AUDIT PROCESS IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
7
ESTIMATING DISASTER RELIEF EXPENDITURE
7
6. UPGRADING ASSETS THAT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED FROM AN ELIGIBLE
DISASTER EVENT
7
7. CONDITIONS FOR COMMONWEALTH ASSISTANCE
8
7.1.
8
MITIGATION
8. NDRRA PROCESS FLOW CHART
9
9. NDRRA RELIEF MEASURES AND RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES
11
9.1.
CATEGORY A MEASURES
11
9.2.
CATEGORY B MEASURES
14
9.3.
CATEGORY C MEASURES
17
10. NDRRA ADMINISTRATION AND CLAIMS PROCESS
19
August 2011
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1. AIM OF THE GUIDELINES
The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements Administrative Guidelines outline the:

Commonwealth Government Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)
Determination, a disaster cost-sharing arrangement between the states and territories;

Northern Territory Government claimable expenses (known as Eligible Measures) and related
administrative arrangements; and

role and function of Northern Territory Government agencies in the event of a natural disaster.
Northern Territory Treasury is responsible for updating and maintaining the Administrative Guidelines.
2. NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY ARRANGEMENTS (NDRRA)
In Australia, the State and Territory Governments have the primary responsibility for dealing with
natural disasters. The Commonwealth does however assist with disaster relief and rehabilitation
through the NDRRA.
The NDRRA is designed to help share the financial burden of disaster recovery between the
States and Territories, and the Commonwealth, and provides a cost sharing formula as well as a
package of pre-agreed relief measures that may be activated by the Northern Territory
Government following an eligible disaster. Under the NDRRA the Territory submits claims to
Emergency Management Australia (EMA) for partial reimbursement of expenditure on eligible
disaster relief measures for eligible natural disasters.
At the Commonwealth level the program is administered by EMA and in the Northern Territory by
Northern Territory Treasury.
The NDRRA Determination 2011 forms the basis of the NDRRA and establishes (a) the nature of
eligible Territory expenditure, (b) the processes for making a claim to the Commonwealth
Government and (c) acquittal requirements.
The NDRRA Determination 2011 is available on the Emergency Management Australia website.
3. HOW TERRITORY EXPENDITURE IS CALCULATED AND CLAIMED
The Northern Territory initially funds assistance measures and then seeks reimbursement from
the Commonwealth. The amount of Commonwealth assistance to the Territory is based on a
formula.
With the exception of personal hardship and distress, the formula reflects the Northern
Territory's financial capacity to absorb the cost of disasters. The Northern Territory absorbs a
threshold amount of initial costs, but the Commonwealth Government meets an increasing
proportion of costs as the total costs increase. The Territory's initial expenditure is called its
base amount; the level of expenditure on disasters which it must meet in any financial year
before further costs become eligible for Commonwealth assistance. The base amount is
recalculated annually by the Commonwealth.
August 2011
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Under this formula, once the Territory has exceeded a base amount it becomes eligible for
reimbursement of half of all additional expenditure. This continues until the Territory spends an
amount of 1.75 times the base amount where any spending above this level, is reimbursed at
the rate of 75%.
Territory NDRRA claims for partial reimbursement are submitted to EMA by Northern Territory
Treasury. This usually occurs at the end of the financial year and is based on total Northern
Territory Government agency returns.
3.1. DEFINITION OF TERRITORY EXPENDITURE
Northern Territory expenditure is the amount spent within a financial year on all eligible
measures, within the allowable time limit by the Northern Territory Government.
Costs incurred by Local Government are not directly claimable under NDRRA. Local
Government costs should be referred to the Department of Housing, Local Government and
Regional Services.
3.1.1. TERRITORY EXPENDITURE EXCLUSIONS
Territory expenditure does not include costs that the agency would normally incur
such as substantive salary costs and other fixed operating costs. Nor does Territory
expenditure include costs that are expected to be recovered through any means.
Clause 5.2.5 of the Determination identifies the following as non-claimable items:
 Amounts that the Territory has recovered or may recover from any source
 Amounts that a person is liable to reimburse to the Territory (including amounts
attributable to GST)
 Amounts directly or indirectly receivable from the Commonwealth under a joint
Commonwealth/Territory financial arrangement or some other form of specific
purpose financial assistance to the Territory
 Amounts attributable to salaries or wages or other ongoing administrative
expenditure for which the Territory would have been liable even when the eligible
measure had not been carried out (eg: substantive salaries)
3.1.2. EXAMPLES

Where a permanent employee is deployed to a disaster, the salary is not an eligible cost
because it is an existing liability (fixed cost) to the agency. If the substantive position is
left vacant because the permanent employee is deployed elsewhere to directly assist
with the emergency, then back-filling the position with contracted staff, or through
increasing part time hours is an eligible cost (extraordinary cost).

If a helicopter is hired to drop off food parcels to an isolated community, the hire of the
helicopter is a claimable expense (extraordinary cost).

Salaries of permanent employees are not claimable, however staff overtime and on-call
allowances is an eligible expense (extraordinary expense).

Logistics costs to support the operations (catering, accommodation, specifically
purchased personal protective equipment) are eligible expenses.
August 2011
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3.2. DEFINITION OF ALLOWABLE TIME LIMIT
The Commonwealth Government reimburses Territory expenditure on eligible measures for
costs incurred up to 24 months after the end of the financial year in which the emergency or
disaster occurred (Determination clause 5.3).
In exceptional circumstances the Commonwealth may recognise a longer period for the
replacement of essential public assets (Refer Category B Measures & Determination clause
3.6).
The time limit for reimbursement of financial and personal counselling under Category A is costs
incurred up to 12 months after an eligible disaster.
3.3. DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE DISASTERS
The Commonwealth recognises an eligible natural disaster for the purposes of NDRRA as:

any one, or a combination of cyclone; flood; storm; storm surge; bushfire, landslide, tsunami,
meteor strike, tornado and earthquake. Drought, frost, heat wave, epidemic or events where
human activity is a significant contributing cause are not eligible disasters for the purposes of
the NDRRA; and

where the state expenditure on the eligible disaster exceeds $240,000.
3.4. DEFINITION OF RELIEF MEASURES
An eligible measure is an act of relief or restoration adopted by the Territory for a specific
eligible disaster event. The package of pre-approved natural disaster relief measures includes
assistance for needy individuals, primary producers, small business and non-profit
organisations, asset restoration, and community response activities, as detailed below:

assistance to a person in genuine need as a direct result of an eligible disaster, for the relief of
personal hardship and distress, including the provision of emergency food, clothing and
accommodation; psychological counselling adopted to alleviate distress suffered by individuals
or communities; essential repairs to housing; and the repair or replacement of essential items
of furniture and personal effects;

a concessional interest rate loan to a primary producer, or operator of a small business, whose
assets (including fodder) have been significantly damaged as a direct result of an eligible
disaster and who has no reasonable access to commercial finance but who has a reasonable
prospect of long-term viability;

a concessional-interest loan to a needy person or voluntary non-profit body whose assets have
been significantly damaged and who has no reasonable access to commercial finance;

restoration or replacement of an essential public asset to the extent necessary to restore the
asset to the equivalent of pre-disaster standard (not withstanding that the asset may be
restored or replaced to a higher standard); or
August 2011
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
a community recovery package designed to support a holistic approach to recovery which may
comprise a community recovery fund, recovery grants for small business, and/or recovery
grants for primary producers.
Further details on relief measures are provided in section 10 of these guidelines.
NDRRA relief measures are not compensation based. Assistance is targeted at those in the
community who are unable to provide for their own recovery.
The Northern Territory is responsible for the administration of its relief measures and
consequently, the details of disaster assistance available for individuals and organisations may
vary between States and Territories eg. eligibility criteria, amount of assistance, and
administrative processes.
4. FUNDING
Expenditure as a result of a natural disaster should be first met through the agency’s existing
budget, where possible. Dependant on the extent of relief and restoration expenditure, undue
pressure may be put on agency budgets and additional appropriation may be required to meet
such unexpected costs. If budget supplementation is required, agencies may apply for a
Treasurer’s Advance.
4.1. TREASURER’S ADVANCE
Treasurer’s Advance (TA) is a mechanism to supplement agency budgets for unexpected
expenditure. Cabinet Decision 2685 of 20 November 2006 enabled Treasury to set aside each
year an amount in TA for the reimbursement of expenditure relating to eligible natural disaster
events. This was designed primarily to prevent undue pressure on Agency budgets and ensure
Agencies can confidently respond to disaster events without worrying about budget allocation.
All TA requests must be coordinated through the Agency budget or finance units and are subject
to Treasurer’s approval under the Financial Management Act. TA can be sought on a quarterly
basis (September, December, March and June), however agencies may opt to defer their TA
request until the next quarter if they have enough existing allocation.
Treasury will assess TA requests to ensure they are consistent with the information provided in
the monthly returns and supporting documents already provided. Any significant variances will
result in delays while seeking clarification.
5. AGENCY NDRRA RETURNS
To enable timely reimbursement to be sought from the Commonwealth Government, is it
essential that all Agencies forward monthly expenditure returns and supporting documentation
to Northern Territory Treasury by the eleventh (11th) working day of the month. The returns
should be emailed to finance.ntt@nt.gov.au. Electronic versions of the forms are available from
NTT Finance, phone 8999 5402.
For information on what constitutes supporting documentation, refer to section 5.2.
5.1. GST TREATMENT
Agency expenditure claimed under the NDRRA should be exclusive of GST costs.
August 2011
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Concessional interest rate loans provided to primary producers, small business operators and
voluntary non-profit bodies are input taxed supplies and as such will not attract GST.
5.2. AUDITING
It is a requirement of Commonwealth funding under NDRRA that all claims are audited and the
results forwarded to EMA within six months of the end of the financial year. Supporting
documentation must be available to substantiate all eligible expenditure.
Supporting documentation includes Government Accounting System (GAS)/BOXI transaction
listings, reports, estimates, purchase orders, invoices, requisitions etc. Documentation must
identify the type of expenditure eg repair of flood damage to XXX road, and tie it to the specific
disaster event as well as evidence appropriate approval. Where possible, photographs of the
damage should also be taken. These documents are sourced by agencies and provided to
Treasury.
5.2.1. THE AUDIT PROCESS IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
To begin the NDRRA audit each year, the auditor requires a transaction listing of
the total Territory Government expenditure claimed. From this listing they will then
choose a test sample. Supporting documentation for the test sample is then
required. The auditor checks to ensure the test sample transactions are eligible,
clearly annotated and clearly approved and paid.
It is in the Territory’s interest to maintain good record keeping to ensure maximum
possible reimbursement from the Commonwealth Government.
5.3. ESTIMATING DISASTER RELIEF EXPENDITURE
Agencies are to notify Treasury quarterly of forecast total expenditure for that year and the
immediately succeeding year for identified natural disasters on the expenditure breakdown
form.
Forms for the recording of projected expenditure to provide to EMA in January each year will
be provided by Treasury the preceding December.
Agencies are to advise Treasury of estimates and timing of expenditure on an eligible
disaster as soon as practicable after a disaster has occurred, or when otherwise requested to
do so.
6. UPGRADING ASSETS THAT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED FROM AN ELIGIBLE
DISASTER EVENT
Agencies are to notify Treasury immediately of significant betterment of an essential public asset
that is the subject of an NDRRA claim.
Commonwealth Government reimbursement of eligible expenditure applies to the restoration of
constructed assets to the equivalent of their pre-disaster standard and condition. Should the
opportunity be taken to reconstruct an asset to a higher standard, the costs will be eligible if:

the asset is an essential public asset; and

the Territory informs EMA of its decision to restore the asset to a more disaster-resilient
standard, and of its reasons for doing so; and
August 2011
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
EMA is satisfied with the cost effectiveness of the proposal; and

EMA is satisfied that the increased disaster-resilience of the asset will mitigate the impact of
future natural disasters.
Where a constructed public asset is damaged as the result of an eligible natural disaster,
betterment as a long-term mitigation strategy should be a considered option.
“Effective mitigation can, over a period of time, reduce the vulnerability of communities to natural
disasters, and the costs of disasters.” Australian Government Background Paper on Natural
Disaster Relief and Mitigation Arrangements.
7. CONDITIONS FOR COMMONWEALTH ASSISTANCE
The Territory is to notify EMA as soon as practicable, of the occurrence of an eligible disaster.
That notification is to indicate the basis for regarding the disaster as being eligible for assistance
under the agreement and is to include, as far as practicable, a preliminary indication of the
extent and nature of the damage and of the amount and probable timing of Territory
Government expenditure on eligible measures. Northern Territory Treasury is responsible for
notifying EMA.
Commonwealth financial assistance in relation to the restoration or replacement of an essential
public asset of an eligible public undertaking is available for 2 years following the end of the
financial year in which the disaster occurred. In exceptional circumstances, expenditure beyond
the two year period may be approved by the Commonwealth as eligible for assistance.
7.1. MITIGATION
In accordance with the NDRRA Determination, a prerequisite for the provision of assistance
other than for personal hardship and distress is:

that natural disaster mitigation strategies are in place in respect of likely or recurring disasters,
or

that a commitment is made to develop and implement the mitigation strategies within a
reasonable timeframe.
Disaster mitigation includes any measure (prevention or preparedness) taken in advance of a
hazardous event aimed at reducing or eliminating the disaster risk or reducing the severity of its
impact on communities and the environment, and may include participation in a recognized
Commonwealth mitigation program.
Responsibility for determining what constitutes an acceptable mitigation strategy for any given
area rests with the Territory and Local Governments. Provided the Commonwealth can be
satisfied that some commitment and reasonable progress has been made towards the
development of strategies, funding of claims will not be withheld.
August 2011
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NDRRA PROCESS FLOW CHARTS
TYPICAL FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR
NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY
AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES
Disaster occurs
When an Agency anticipates it will
incur expenditure following a cyclone,
flood, earthquake, bushfire, storm or
storm surge the Agency advises
Treasury.
DCF advises Treasury if/when
payment of personal hardship and
distress (PHD) is warranted (and the
approximate cost of this measure to
government).
An Agency is to monitor the event
and keep Treasury informed of
changes to anticipated expenditure.
Where an Agency considers that
concessional interest loans should be
made available a request is made to
the Treasurer to approve the
provision of such assistance.
Agencies continue to monitor actual
expenditure (and estimated
expenditure) on eligible measures in
relation to the disaster –all
requisitions, orders, invoices and
payment authorisations must identify
the relevant disaster.
Agencies prepare monthly returns for
Treasury detailing actual expenditure
(exclusive of GST) in relation to each
disaster. Documentation must clearly
identify the relevant disaster and
include a list of transactions and
invoices.
1
August 2011
Page 9 of 24
TYPICAL FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR
NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY
TREASURY RESPONSIBILITIES
Disaster occurs
Treasury seeks advice from
NTPFES, DCF, and DLP of:
 the extent of damage caused by the disaster;
 whether PHD is provided; and
 costs relating to NTPFES response activities.

Agency advises Treasury of:
area affected and the extent of damage
 estimates of cost
Treasury collates information from all Agencies and
where expenditure is expected to exceed $240,000
Treasury advises the Commonwealth.
Treasury advises all Agencies when relief activities
can be claimed under the NDRRA.
Treasury advises the Commonwealth if concessional
interest loans will be offered.
Treasury collates Agency expenditure and reports
expenditure and estimates to the Commonwealth on a
regular basis.
1
Treasury submits claims to the Commonwealth at the
end of each financial year.
Treasury to coordinate the audit process. All
Agencies documentation is to be received by
Treasury each month and therefore readily available
for auditor’s scrutiny.
August 2011
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8. NDRRA RELIEF MEASURES AND RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES
The Northern Territory Minister for Emergency Services and the Treasurer are responsible for
approving the use of emergency relief measures.
The Department of Children and Families administers assistance to individuals for the relief of
personal hardship and distress, and to non-profit organisations.
The Department of Business and Employment administers concessional interest loans to small
business and primary producers.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services administers grants to
local government bodies and other organisations which carry out local government type
functions, for the restoration of public assets.
The Department of Lands and Planning assists in the restoration of public assets.
8.1. CATEGORY A MEASURES
PERSONAL HARDSHIP AND DISTRESS
Category A measures are;

actions taken to protect life and individual property during an event; and

assistance to individuals to alleviate personal hardship and distress (NDRRA
Determination clause 3.2).
Eligible Time Limit

24 months after the end of the financial year in which the relevant disaster occurred.

12 months after the event for Financial and Personal Counselling Services.
Eligible Measures
The following is a list of Category A Eligible Measures.
a) Immediate relief payments (not means tested)
b) Temporary Accommodation Allowance
c) Re-establishment Payments
ACTIONS TAKEN TO PROTECT LIFE AND INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY
Eligible Measure
Indicative List of Agencies
Extraordinary counter disaster operations of direct
assistance to an individual, for example:
Operations to protect a threatened house or render a
damage house safe and habitable (eg: sand bagging
August 2011
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or fire breaks to protect an individual property)
Pre-emptive evacuation strategies such as community
risk assessment (eg: aerial observation and door knocks)
and standby costs to establish Emergency Relief
Centres.
Community Information Meetings





Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Children and
Families
Department of the Chief
Minister
Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Children and
Families
Rescue of stranded individuals or groups

Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Supply drops of food and water to stranded people
either by boat or helicopter

Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Children and
Families

ACTIONS TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE PERSONAL HARDSHIP AND DISTRESS (PHD)
Establishment, operations and decommissioning of
Emergency Relief Centres.


Assessment of relief needs to isolated individuals and
communities.



Food and water supplies to isolated households and
communities, including transport costs.


Personal hardship and distress grants (PHD Grants).



Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Children and
Families
Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Children and
Families
Other agencies for staff
employed in affected areas.
Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Children and
Families

Department of Children and
Families

Department of Children and
Families
Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Lands and
Planning
Councils/Shires
Emergency food, clothing and temporary
accommodation
Essential repairs to housing
Replacement of essential household effects
Rendering a damaged house safe and habitable by eg:
covering the roof with a tarpaulin, electrical safety
inspections.



August 2011
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Removal of debris from residential properties to make
properties safe and habitable (eg: removing large tree
branch from roof to deem property safe and habitable).



Portable housing where there is large scale destruction.



Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Lands and
Planning
Councils/Shires
Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Lands and
Planning
Department of Children and
Families
Loan of portable and/or temporary medical equipment
for the duration of the event to individuals (eg: oxygen
bottles) – equipment provided to hospitals is excluded.

Department of Children and
Families
Public information and communication programs

This may include:

Department of the Chief
Minister
Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Children and
Families





Public information meetings.
Public newsletters.
Public outreach programs.
Relief and recovery websites.
Public Hotline.

Personal and financial counselling to alleviate
hardship and distress for first 12 months.

Department of Children and
Families
In rural areas specifically:

Northern Territory Police, Fire
and Emergency Services
Department of Children and
Families
Department of Lands and
Planning
Councils/Shires
Emergency transport for displaced or isolated
people (eg: special bus service to enable a small
town that is reliant on a damaged rail network to
reach essential services, and school bus passes for
displaced students).



August 2011
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8.2. CATEGORY B MEASURES
PUBLIC ASSETS, GRANTS AND COUNTER DISASTER OPERATIONS
Category B measures provide (Determination clause 3.3):

Loans, subsidies or grants to alleviate the financial burden of costs incurred by certain
businesses and primary producers, voluntary non-profit bodies and individuals as a direct
result of a natural disaster (Determination clause 3.7).

Restoration and replacement of certain essential public assets damaged as a direct result of
a natural disaster (Determination clause 3.6)

Counter disaster operations for the protection of the general public (Determination clause 3.8)
Allowable Time Limit (Determination clause 5.3)
Expenditure may be incurred within 24 months after the end of the financial year in which the relevant
disaster occurred.
In exceptional circumstances for restoration and replacement of essential public assets, a longer time
limit may be permitted by the Commonwealth Government upon application by the Territory.
Eligible Measures
The following is a list of Category B Eligible Measures.
Clean up and relief grant – eligible claim limits (Determination Schedule 1).
A maximum grant of $5 000 for needy individuals.
A maximum grant of $10 000 for voluntary non-profit bodies.
A maximum grant of $5 000, and up to $20 000 in exceptional circumstances for small business
and primary producers.
A maximum loan of $100 000 in exceptional circumstances for small business and primary
producers.
Relief grants beyond these limits may be considered under Category D Extraordinary Measures.
ACTIONS TAKEN TO RESTORE OR REPLACE AN ESSENTIAL PUBLIC ASSET
An essential public asset is an asset of an eligible undertaking that in the judgment of the Territory
(Determination clause 3.6.4):
 Is an integral and necessary part of the Territory’s infrastructure; and
 would, if lost or damaged, severely disrupt the normal functioning of a community; and
 would if lost or damaged, be restored or replaced as a matter of urgency.
August 2011
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An eligible undertaking is a body that is one of the following:
 A department or other agency of a Territory government; or
 Established by or under a law of a territory for public purposes (for example, a local

government body), and
Provides community, social or economic services free of charge or at a nominal charge well
below the cost of production.
Local government owned water and sewerage systems for example that are non-commercial are
eligible.
The Commonwealth Minister may agree to treat other bodies as eligible undertakings upon written
request by the Territory.
An asset being restored or replaced must be done in accordance with current building and
engineering standards to be a claimable measure.
Essential Public Asset Betterment (Determination clause 3.6.5)
Betterment means the restoration or replacement of the asset to a more disaster resilient standard
than its pre-disaster standard. Betterment of an asset will be considered an eligible measure if:
i.
ii.
The asset is an essential public asset; and
The Territory informs EMA of its decision to restore the asset to a more disaster-resilient
standard, and of its reasons for doing so; and
iii. EMA is satisfied with the cost effectiveness of the proposal; and
iv. EMA is satisfied that the increased disaster-resilience of the asset will mitigate the impact of
future natural disasters.
Northern Territory Treasury’s NDRRA contact can provide further advice on eligibility at the time.
SUBSIDIES AND LOANS TO SMALL BUSINESS AND PRIMARY PRODUCERS
Clean up and relief grant – eligible claim limits (Determination Schedule 1).
A maximum grant of $10 000, and up to $25 000 in exceptional circumstances for small business
and primary producers.
A maximum loan of $100 000 in exceptional circumstances for small business and primary
producers.
Relief grants beyond these limits may be considered under Category D Extraordinary Measures.
COUNTER DISASTER OPERATIONS TO PROTECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC
The Commonwealth Government is reluctant to provide a detailed list of eligible measures because
each event is different. The following is a list of eligible measures that have been claimed previously
by states and territories for Category B.
The Department of Treasury and Finance will check with EMA at the time on measures that need to
be clarified.
Eligible Measure
Indicative List of Agencies
Aerial Fire Fighting including spotting and aerial command

Northern Territory Police,
August 2011
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operations to protect life and property
Plant hire (vehicles, plant and equipment) to support
Category B activities.
Fire and Emergency
Services



Temporary traffic management required for public safety.



Northern Territory Police,
Fire and Emergency
Services
Department of Lands and
Planning
Councils/Shires
Northern Territory Police,
Fire and Emergency
Services
Department of Lands and
Planning
Councils/Shires
Fire breaks and sand bagging to protect the community at
large.

Northern Territory Police,
Fire and Emergency
Services
Aerial surveys of disaster area (rapid damage assessment)

Northern Territory Police,
Fire and Emergency
Services
Department of Lands and
Planning

Disposal site for demolition waste

Department of Lands and
Planning
Felling of damaged trees on Crown lands for public safety.

Department of Lands and
Planning
Removal and disposal of dead animals (domestic or
wildlife)


Department of Natural
Resources, Environment,
The Arts and Sport
Department of Lands and
Planning
Councils/Shires
Relocation of public stores, plant and equipment to a place
of safety.

NT Government agencies
Restoration of replacement of public buildings or other
Government

Department of Lands and
Planning
Councils


August 2011
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8.3. CATEGORY C MEASURES
COMMUNITY RECOVERY PACKAGE
Agreement between the Commonwealth and the Territory Chief Minister MUST occur prior to
announcement of the Category C Community Recovery Package.
The Community Recovery Package consists:

A community recovery fund to restore social networks, functioning and community facilities.
This may also include clean up and recovery grants for charities and non-profit organisations.
Expenditure is aimed at community recovery, community development and community
capacity building for the future.

Clean up and relief grants for primary producers

Clean up and relief grants for small businesses (refer NDRRA Community Recovery
Guidelines 2011 – page 17 – 19 for definition of ‘small business’)
Category C measures are tailored to the needs of the impacted community.
Refer NDRRA Determination clause 3.4 and Community Recovery Package Guidelines.
Allowable Time Limit (Determination clause 5.3)
24 months after the end of the financial year in which the relevant disaster occurred.
Eligible Measures
(a) Community Recovery Package 4
Possible measures include, but are not limited to (Determination Guideline 4/2011).
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Employment of community development worker/s
Funding for a range of community activities
Grants to community service organisations providing recovery services
Assistance for restoration of facilities owned by non-profit organisations
Community information initiatives
Funding commemorative events and/or memorials
Advocacy and monitoring services
Tourism and small business initiatives
Economic development initiatives
Heritage and cultural site initiatives
The Community Recovery Package may include clean up and recovery grants for
Charities and Non-profit Organisations
Environmental restoration initiatives are not eligible measures under the NDRRA
(Recovery Package Guidelines pg 3).
August 2011
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(b) Clean Up and Relief Grants
Eligible claim limits (Determination Schedule 1):
A maximum grant of $10 000 for voluntary non-profit bodies.
A maximum grant of $10 000, and up to $25 000 in exceptional circumstances for small
business and primary producers.
Relief grants beyond these limits may be considered under Category D Extraordinary
Measures.
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1. Clean up and relief grant for small business
The grant contributes to the cost of clean-up and restoration to assist small business to
continue operations as quickly as possible. Grants may also be provided to assist with the
costs of relocation to temporary premises in cases where immediate re-opening of damaged
premises is not possible.
The definition of ‘Small Business’ is explained in the NDRRA Community Recovery Package
Guidelines (page 16).
Assistance Package Example (Refer page 16 of the NDRRA Community Recovery Package
Guidelines 2011):
Tier 1: A grant of up to $X to all eligible small businesses. Applicants should be advised to
keep all quotes, estimates or receipts in case they wish to make a further claim under tier 2.
Tier 2: A grant of up to $Y based on the provision of evidence of impact/cost and quotes or
receipts/tax invoices for total funds claimed where cost are in excess of tier one payment. This
payment may be made up front, or a reimbursement of costs.
Tier 2 applicants must certify that insurance has been refused, or that their insurance will not
cover all the costs. Applicants may lodge a grant application pending the outcomes of an
insurance claim. In these cases it is the applicant’s responsibility to advise [the agency] of the
outcome of the claim. Written evidence from the applicant’s insurer of the outcome of the
claim must be provided.
Clean up and relief grant for primary producers
The grant aims to provide short term assistance for clean-up, removal of debris, disposal of dead
livestock, and further restoration following a natural disaster where the impact on the farming sector has
been particularly severe and could result in production and viability being disrupted beyond the current
season.
Assistance Package Example used by South Australia:
Eyre Peninsula Bushfires (January 2005)
Emergency Farm Business Support Grant (up to $10,000) to farmers to purchase emergency fodder,
water, temporary fencing, transport livestock to agistment fees, emergency repairs to plant, vehicles.
August 2011
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9. NDRRA ADMINISTRATION AND CLAIMS PROCESS
Northern Territory Treasury processes
Agencies involved
References
Determine if the event is an Eligible Event
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Northern Territory Treasury
contacts Northern Territory Police,
Fire and Emergency Services, the
Department of Lands and Planning
and the Department of Children
and Families.
Other agencies advise Northern
Territory Treasury and provide
preliminary expenditure estimates,
as required.
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Territory expenditure on eligible measure
for Category A, B, C and D.
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Northern Territory Treasury
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NDRRA Determination Attachment A.
Determination clause 4.2
Preliminary estimates provided by Northern Territory Treasury
to EMA
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Northern Territory Treasury
Northern Territory Government
Agencies
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Preliminary estimates
Provide advice on NDRRA financial thresholds and eligible
measures
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Northern Territory Treasury
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Eligible measures
EMA letter advising of annual thresholds
If Territory expenditure on eligible measures has, or is likely to reach
the small disaster criterion of $240,000.
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Notify EMA of the eligible event
EMA will provide Northern Territory Treasury with an event number
Provide advice to Territory Government agencies and Ministers as
required.
Provide advice to government on approval processes, and where
necessary seek any appropriate approvals.
Page 19 of 24
Natural Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements
Northern Territory Treasury processes
Agencies involved
References
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Northern Territory Treasury
Northern Territory Government
Agencies
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Northern Territory Treasury
Northern Territory Government
Agencies
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Northern Territory Treasury
Northern Territory Government
Agencies
Notify and advise Northern Territory Government Agencies
Provide Northern Territory Government agencies with:
List of eligible measures to capture.
Eligible measures
Agency eligible event claim form
NDRRA Determination clause 4.3.3
Australian Government Reference Number (AGRN) provided by
EMA.
Agency eligible event claim template and instructions.
Advise Northern Territory Government Agencies of protocol for
publicity of Commonwealth contribution, in all:
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announcements of assistance to victims, such as press
releases and websites.
recovery centres or the like, and
advice to the public about the availability of relief and
recovery assistance.
Evidence that acknowledgement has occurred is to be provided to
the Commonwealth by Northern Territory Treasury at the time the
Territory submits a claim.
Advise Northern Territory Government Agencies of the need to
develop mitigation strategies or participate in a recognised
Commonwealth mitigation program.
September 2009
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Natural Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements
Northern Territory Treasury processes
Agencies involved
References
Category B & D Measures: Evidence of appropriate mitigation
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NDRRA Determination clause 4.4 and
NDRRA Guideline 3
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Northern Territory Government
Agencies
Northern Territory Treasury
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Northern Territory Treasury
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NDRRA Determination clause 4.3
NDRRA Determination clause 4.4
NDRRA Determination clause 6.1
General claim form - Attachment B 207
Determination
Expenditure breakdown form - Attachment
C 2011 Determination
A condition of NDRRA assistance for restoration or replacement of
an essential public asset is that the Territory has developed and
implemented natural disaster mitigation strategies in respect of likely
or recurring disasters, and has also encouraged local government
bodies to develop and implement such strategies.
Submitting a claim to the Commonwealth Government
The claim for the Territory is submitted at the end of the financial
year by Northern Territory Treasury. The claim includes evidence of:
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breakdown of expenditure by category
publicity of Commonwealth contribution.
statement of any mitigation strategies implemented or
proposed.
Providing an Audited Financial Statement for expenditure
incurred
The claim for the Territory must be audited within 6 months of the
financial year. The audit is arranged by Northern Territory Treasury.
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Northern Territory Treasury
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NDRRA Determination clause 7
Independent Audit Report – Attachment D
2011 Determination
Audited Financial Statement claim form –
Attachment E 2011 Determination
September 2009
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Natural Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements
Northern Territory Treasury processes
Agencies involved
References
Expenditure Estimates to EMA
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Northern Territory Treasury
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NDRRA Determination clause 4.6
Format to be returned is provided annually
by EMA.
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Northern Territory Treasury
Northern Territory Government
Agencies
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Post Disaster Assessment Report
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Northern Territory Treasury
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Event feedback and review.
The Territory must provide for budgetary purposes its latest
estimates of total state expenditure for the remainder of the current
financial year, and for the next financial year. The estimates must be
provided by 31 January of each year, and if EMA request at any
other time.
Submit a Post Disaster Assessment Report
Post Disaster assessment reporting allows for the collection of
consistent national data on the cost of natural disasters and will
enable improved national understanding on the cost of response,
relief and recovery measures.
A Post Disaster Assessment Report must be submitted to EMA
within three years after the end of the financial year in which an
eligible disaster occurred.
Maintain and Develop NDRRA Administrative Guidelines
Review and update the Guidelines annually or after each eligible
event.
September 2009
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Natural Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements
Territory Government Agencies
References
Collection and reporting on eligible measures
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Agency eligible event template
Eligible measures
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NDRRA Determination clause 4.3.
It is important that agencies start to capture costs as early as possible.
Implement systems to capture eligible measures.
Provide expenditure reports to NTT Finance, Northern Territory Treasury by completing the agency eligible
event claim template.
Provide estimates for expenditure on a quarterly basis.
The claim form and other expenditure reports to Northern Territory Treasury must state the AGRN
Recognition of Commonwealth Contribution
If the Commonwealth provides (or is likely to provide) assistance to
the Territory for an eligible measure, the Territory must acknowledge
the Commonwealth’s contribution of relief and recovery assistance.
Evidence of any acknowledgment that
has occurred is to be provided to
Northern Territory Treasury.
This usually occurs through the Department of the Chief Minister
and Northern Territory Treasury however may also appear
 in announcements of assistance to victims, such as press
releases and websites;
 in recovery centres or the like; or
 in advice to the public about the availability of relief and
recovery assistance
September 2009
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Natural Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements
Territory Government Agencies
Category B and D - Statement of Mitigation
A condition of NDRRA assistance for restoration or replacement of
an essential public asset is that the Territory has developed and
implemented natural disaster mitigation strategies in respect of likely
or recurring disasters, and has also encouraged local government
bodies to develop and implement such strategies.
References
Agencies claiming for restoration and
replacement of Essential Public Assets
(Cat B and D) will need to provide
evidence of appropriate natural disaster
mitigation strategies.
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NDRRA Determination clause 4.4
September 2009
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