Businesses and communities in bushfire impacted regions will have access to a new fund for local infrastructure and initiatives that will drive economic recovery.
The $250 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the NSW and Federal governments, will open to applications on 27 October 2020.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has encouraged councils, business chambers, joint groups, businesses, charities and local Aboriginal Land Councils to bring forward their recovery ideas.
“The funding will be available for a variety of projects, such as community and cultural infrastructure upgrades, regional events, work ready training programs, and tourism infrastructure,” Mr Hogan said.
“It is focused on creating jobs, increasing preparedness for future natural disasters and enhancing the natural environment.”
“I look forward to seeing what people come up with and the benefits that will flow long-term.”
Nationals MP for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said grants of between $200,000 and $20 million will be available for projects across the region.
“Bushfire recovery looks different in each community, and no one is better placed to identify local priorities than local people,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“This funding is about assisting communities to lead their own recovery, with governments and local partners funding projects that will make a real difference locally.
“I encourage our community to get together and consider what their community needs to boost their economy, their wellbeing and their recovery.”
Grants of between $200,000 and $20 million will be available for projects such as:
- Local community and cultural infrastructure
- Tourism campaigns (including digital product development) and regional events
- Workforce adaptation and work ready training programs
- Community wellbeing and mental health programs
- Tourism infrastructure including walking and mountain bike trails
- Neighbourhood safer places.
Alongside this open call for project ideas, shovel-ready projects are being identified in bushfire affected areas, so they can be considered and fast tracked to provide community and economic benefit as quickly as possible. Information about these projects will be released in coming weeks.
Overall, more than $500 million joint funding from the Australian and NSW Governments will be provided to support local economic, community and industry recovery projects in bushfire affected communities.
For more information, including guidelines, visit www.nsw.gov.au/blerfund