State Nationals Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan have announced further support for bushfire affected communities.

Phase 2 of the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF) provides more than $25 million to promote community well-being, social and future disaster resilience.

Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley Councils will each receive a further $250,000 through Stream 1.

Applications for Stream 2 are open from today and allow for more immediate funding to flow to local councils, community groups and not-for-profit organisations faster, whilst still supporting communities with medium and longer-term projects.

Mr Gulaptis said community-led recoveries provided the best chance for people to get back on their feet and for towns to come out the other end of a tragedy with even greater resilience and hope for the future.

“I’m pleased to say Stream 1 will provide $250,000 grants to local councils to support locally-led social recovery activities,” Mr Gulaptis said.

Mr Hogan said this funding allows communities to invest in projects that will directly benefit recovery efforts.

“My message to our bushfire affected towns is that we are with you for the long haul,” Mr Hogan said.

“Stream 2 will provide grants for social recovery and preparedness projects, which could include education programs about how to best prepare for future hazards and community activities to bring people together.”

This brings the total BCRRF to over $35 million jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and is in addition to measures supported through the National Bushfire Recovery Fund.

For more information, please visit www.emergency.nsw.gov.au