Early May update

The NAFI web service is still seeking adequate funding for 2026-27 under the Federal Budget.

Funding for NAFI has been allocated for 2026-27 under the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) and while the initial offer was significantly less than we needed, we have made savings by delaying the appointment of new staff and now face a funding shortfall of $110K under what we need to operate reliably in 2026-27. We are continuing discussions with the Federal Government.

As the NAFI web service helps land managers and disaster managers across rural and remote areas of Australia, it produces significant public good benefits across six Federal Departments. At less than $200K per year for these Departments supporting NAFI represents remarkable value for investment.

• We need your support. When our users speak up is when we get heard!
• NAFI needs secure, longer-term funding to make sure staffing and resources are available to keep up with increased user demand, site maintenance and improved tools for land managers and agencies.
• The NAFI web service covers 80% of Australia and is the only fire information service tailored to the bushfire management needs of rural and remote land managers across this huge area.
• It has the only long term, validated, frequently updated fire histories that extend across north Australia. These are used by land managers to plan and implement fire management including in Savanna Burning carbon projects.
• In its 22 years of operation it has become a vital tool, part of day-to-day fire management practice for tens of thousands of people who have a role in managing bushfires. It is now regarded as critical infrastructure by many users.
• In this time the NAFI site has also grown in popularity, tripling its usage in the last five years.
• Feedback from this widespread user base has allowed us to develop additional practical web-based tools, such as those which help users measure their progress in improving fire management.
• The NAFI web service has played an important role in reducing the frequency of severe wildfires across large parts of northern Australia. This reduction of wildfire has helped protect remote communities - helping reduce costs for fire agencies.