Clarence News & Info

Bushfire recovery continues with 173 community projects awarded funding.

The Australian and NSW governments are continuing to support NSW on its recovery from the unprecedented 19/20 bushfires, with 173 community projects around the state receiving new funding as part of the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF).

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Minister for Emergency Management, David Littleproud, and NSW Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery, John Barilaro, announced the projects that are designed to promote community wellbeing and build disaster resilience across NSW.

“The Australian and NSW governments are working hand in hand to deliver this funding right across NSW and help badly impacted areas on their journey towards recovery,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It will take years, not months, for these communities to recover and the Australian Government will be with them every step of the way, delivering the support they so desperately need.

“This funding is supporting locally led recovery that focuses on community wellbeing, connectedness, social recovery, and future disaster resilience.”

Mr Barilaro said the projects would provide an important boost for local communities with a focus on long-term recovery efforts.

“The Nationals are building a safer and stronger regional NSW by helping communities get back on their feet after the worst bushfires in living memory. This funding will support the ongoing, sustained efforts on the ground as communities continue to rebuild,” he said.

“The Australian and NSW governments have committed $4.4 billion to bushfire recovery with every bushfire affected LGA receiving support. These recovery efforts have been driven by locals who care about their communities and want to make a difference, and we are continuing to assist them through this process.

“The nature of these grants are locally led and diverse, depending on the needs of the communities, with projects targeted at issues like mental health and assisting local businesses.

“The number of high-quality submissions we received is a credit to the ingenuity and resilience of our regions and I am pleased to see more support going out to every corner of our state.”

The funding is being provided via the BCRRF Stream 2, which was open to applications from 29 September 2020 to 11 December 2020. Stream 1 of the fund provided direct support for impacted councils to deliver locally based projects and community grants programs.

The NSW Government applied best practice to fairly assess all applications received, based on a set of principles to support the achievement of a high standard of probity.
If anyone requires recovery support they are encouraged to contact the bushfire customer care line on 13 77 88, or visit the Service NSW website at www.service.nsw.gov.au.

For more information on bushfire funding measures to date, visit www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au