Wednesday, 30 September 2020
FINANCIAL assistance for the local government areas hardest hit by the devastating bushfires last summer is continuing with Armidale Regional, Glen Innes Severn and Tenterfield Shire Councils to share in an extra $750,000 from the State Government, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
Almost $1.4 million has already been provided to the region’s councils through the State Government’s Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF) and Mr Marshall said the additional $750,000 through phase 2 would be another welcome boost for impacted communities.
“These three local government areas bore the brunt of last summer’s bushfires, which is why each council can access a further $250,000 to continue programs that encourage community recovery and preparedness,” Mr Marshall said.
“These grants will fund projects which promote community well-being, social and future disaster resilience.
“In phase 1 of the program, councils funded a diverse range of projects including disaster ready business education programs, improvements to community halls and public emergency meeting places and the development of local disaster recovery plans.
“This latest round allows communities to invest in projects that will directly benefit ongoing recovery efforts and help communities rebuild.
“A total of $1,399,909 has so far been injected into Northern Tablelands communities through the BCRRF and I look forward to working with these councils to ensure this new money is spent in the towns and villages where it is needed most.”
Mr Marshall said unlike the first round, phase 2 was open for applications from the broader community.
“Applications are now open and allow for more immediate funding to flow to local councils, community groups and not-for-profit organisations,” he said.
“Stream 2 will provide grants for social recovery and preparedness projects, between $20,000 and $300,000, which could include education programs about how to best prepare for future hazards and community activities to bring people together.
“With the bushfire danger period already upon us now is the time communities should be preparing. My message to our bushfire affected towns is that the State Government is with you for the long haul.”
Applications for Stream 2 are now open and close on 10 November 2020.
For more information and to apply, visit www.emergency.nsw.gov.au