Businesses and communities in bushfire-impacted regions will receive support for local infrastructure and initiatives to drive economic recovery, thanks to the $250 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the NSW Nationals in the state and federal governments.
NSW Nationals Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey announced the funding applications will open on October 27, and welcomed the support which will go a long way towards keeping and creating jobs for the regions.
“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 including walking trails,” Ms Pavey said.
“The focus is to put people back in work, retain existing jobs and reinvigorate communities with improvements to essential or community infrastructure as well as industry development.
“Tourism is a key industry and the natural environment is a massive a drawcard in our beautiful region, so we are looking to restore nature, create and promote attractions, and put people at ease with investment in the research and infrastructure to improve resilience to future bushfires.”
Grants of between $200,000 and $20 million will be available to organisations including councils, business chambers, joint groups, businesses, charities and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
Alongside the open call for project ideas, shovel-ready projects are being identified in bushfire impacted areas, so they can be considered and fast tracked to provide community and economic benefit as quickly as possible.
For more information about the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, including guidelines, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/blerfund.
