The Queensland Government says expressions of interest have opened for a $10 million natural disasters mitigation program, announced in the state budget, that aims to lower the cost of insurance in the north.

Funding is available to 33 councils, and Weipa Town Authority, in high risk, cyclone-prone coastal areas with population centres within 50km of the coastline from Bundaberg up to the NT border.

Eligible projects could include measures to encourage locals to make homes more cyclone or flood resilient, studies into a community’s disaster risk, drainage systems, storm water works, or the design of larger mitigation projects.

“The funding is an opportunity to reduce the impacts of natural disasters in the north while also helping to make insurance more affordable,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.

“I’m encouraging all eligible councils to identify disaster risk mitigation activities that can be funded or partly funded through the program.”

Councils can apply for up to $2 million under the North Queensland Natural Disasters Mitigation Program, with expressions of interest closing on February 18.