Civil & Disaster Recovery

From damage assessments to full reconstruction delivery, we help councils navigate recovery with speed, accuracy, and accountability.

Our experienced DRFA specialists and proven systems keep projects moving, rebuilding confidence and resilience across regional Australia.

Your DRFA Challenges Solved

Disaster recovery hits councils hard.

Funding eligibility can be lost without the right evidence. Audit requirements are strict. Resources are stretched thin. Damage evolves quickly. Contractors need direction. Deadlines don’t wait.

All while your community is looking to you for answers.

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Our Proven Approach

From damage assessment to recovery delivery, SHEPHERD brings practical experience backed by $770M+ in DRFA works assessed and submitted, and $660M+ in programs delivered or closed out.

Same controls. Different-sized response.
Whether the recovery program is $5 million or $100 million, SHEPHERD scales its team and specialist capability to match Council’s needs. We bring the people, systems and expertise required, adjusting our resources to suit the size, complexity and stage of recovery. The level of support changes; the controls around evidence, eligibility, quality and funding remain consistent.

What drives our approach:

Rapid mobilisation (24–48 hours): boots on the ground when it matters most.

Early risk identification: protecting Council’s eligibility from day one.

Clear communication with funding agencies: QRA, NSWRA, DTP - we speak their language.

GIS-enabled transparency: real-time dashboards for full visibility.

RACAS®- powered submission building: faster, more accurate, more defensible.

Prioritised work packages: ensuring safety, access, and community need come first.

Collaboration with Council crews and contractors: we work seamlessly with council crews and contractors.

A multi-disciplinary team: engineers, PMs, inspectors, GIS, finance, and accountants.

Safety built into every step: remote-work systems, GPS tracking, fatigue management controls.

Our DRFA Service Suite

Our DRFA Service Suite delivers complete end-to-end support across the full disaster recovery lifecycle, from rapid damage assessment and defensible funding submissions through to project delivery, contract administration, construction oversight and final financial acquittals. With expert-led governance, compliance-driven processes and on-the-ground delivery support, we protect your funding position, streamline recovery programs and ensure every project meets DRFA and Council standards, so your team can stay focused on what matters most, your community.

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Our DRFA Smart Tools

Technology creates capacity - it does not replace the experience and judgement of SHEPHERD’s road, engineering and recovery specialists. Our digital tools reduce repeated handling of information, giving our team more time to focus on eligibility, treatment decisions, quality and delivery.

DRFA Dashboard

Our fit-for-purpose DRFA dashboard provides real-time visibility across assessments, claims, works delivery and acquittals.
It streamlines workflows, strengthens compliance, and gives councils complete transparency and confidence throughout the program.

Mobile Field App

A practical, easy-to-use mobile tool for real-time in-field inspections, defect capture, treatment tracking, and works close-out.
Equipped with geotagged photos, offline capability, and seamless integration with the RACAS® Hub for fast, accurate field data.

Systems Integration

Our DRFA systems integrate with Fulcrum, GIS, RACAS® Hub, and TechnologyOne to create a smooth, end-to-end data pipeline.
This reduces double handling, improves accuracy, and ensures information flows where it’s needed across council teams.

RACAS® Accelerates Recovery

RACAS® is one of the most powerful tools in Australian disaster recovery - embedded in every SHEPHERD DRFA program.

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Proven results

Speed at Scale: Proven in the Field - These aren’t just numbers - they’re communities restored faster, safer, and with confidence.

  • Bulloo Shire Council (2025)

    • 1,056 km surveyed in 7 days
    • $1.8M priority submission prepared and lodged in 5 days
    • 96% approval in 4 weeks

  • Gympie Regional Council (2025)

    • 3,000 POIs logged in 6 days
    • AI categorisation completed in
      2 days
    • 700 Emergent works identified

  • Cassowary Coast Regional Council (2024)

    • Submission in 3 months
    • Approvals in 6 months
    • 42% delivery of a $35M program within 12 months

  • Etheridge Shire Council (2023)

    • $67.2M submission
    • 91% approved
    • Damage to lodgement completed in 5 months

  • Isaac Regional Council (2026)

    • 1,040km Assessed by two inspectors
    • $38M+ Damage identified
    • 2,956 Damages/Treatments assessed

  • Sunshine Coast Regional Council (2025)

    • 595km Surveyed
    • $15.5M+ Damage identified
    • 2,103 Defects recorded

Why Councils Trust SHEPHERD

We’re disaster recovery experts, engineers, and problem solvers - not just project managers.

Councils trust us because:
• 30+ councils supported nationally
• $770M+ in DRFA works assessed and submitted
• $660M+ in DRFA programs delivered or closed out
• $250M+ in DRFA programs currently under delivery
• 90%+ average DRFA approval rate achieved
• 40+ qualified DRFA specialists
• ISO 9001 & ISO 45001 certified
• Integrated technology stack (RACAS®, DRFA Hub, Fulcrum, GIS, TechOne)
• Local presence & community investment
• Dedicated project teams providing continuity and responsiveness

You get a partner who understands your challenges, protects your funding, and stands with you, from first damage photo to final acquittal.

Assessed and submitted

Delivered or closed out

Currently under delivery

SHEPHERD are prequalified suppliers on the following arrangements:

  • Asset Management Services - Local Buy LB347
  • Disaster Recovery Management - Local Buy LB505
  • Engineering and Environment (Consultancy Services) - Local Buy LB312
  • Planning, Surveying, Design & Architecture - Local Buy LB335
  • Project Management & Superintendent Services - Local Buy LB343
  • Local Government Procurement - Professional Consulting Services LGP1208-4
  • NSW Asset Ai
  • Tasmanian Dept. Treasury and Finance – Strategic Asset Management
  • Tasmanian Dept. Treasury and Finance – Management of Projects

SHEPHERD are also endorsed as an:

Authorised user of