The Federal Government has announced a $1 million scholarship fund to help educate emergency management volunteers who help communities cope after floods, bushfires and other natural disasters.

Volunteers who qualify will receive grants for vocational and higher education courses in related disciplines.

At least half the fund will be directed towards volunteers who offer their services in rural areas, where the bulk of natural disasters strike.

“The… Government is committed to ensuring these volunteers and their agencies are best equipped to prepare for and respond to disasters,” Justice Minister Michael Keenan said.

“Ongoing investment in the education and development of these men and women is critical to building our national resilience.

“This new approach to supporting our volunteers and their agencies recognises the complexity of the service they deliver and the high-level skills and leadership required to respond to emergency situations.”

The Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience will administer the fund.

A volunteer can receive a maximum of $25,000 for higher education and $12,000 for vocational studies.

Natural disasters cost Australia more than $9 billion last year, and the annual bill is projected to reach an average of $33 billion by 2050.