Bushfire-impacted dairy farmers, fruit growers and forestry businesses are set to benefit from recovery funding to help them get back on their feet and back to work, thanks to the NSW Nationals in Government’s $140 million Bushfire Industry Recovery Package.
NSW Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said targeted grants would be available to help the forestry, horticulture, apiculture, aquaculture, viticulture and dairy industries retain and create jobs and support them to rebuild, recover and regrow.
“Funding will be available in two streams, with an initial focus on supply chain support grants that will help cover the cost of resuming and maintaining production,” Mr Singh said.
Supply chain support grants are available for activities such as:
- Clean up of damaged orchard equipment or replacing trees, trellises and netting;
- Repair of vineyards directly damaged by bushfire, including site clean-up;
- Beekeepers purchasing pollen, pollen substitutes or sugar to feed their hives;
- Purchasing oyster spat to replace oysters killed due to ash or fireground run-off;
- Re-establishing dairy pastures, herd rebuilding and buying or replacing lost fodder;
- Haulage and storage of burnt forestry timber.
“The second funding stream for sector development grants would support projects that helped affected industries create new jobs, build industry sustainability, increase value-add production and support supply-chain efficiencies,” Mr Singh said.
Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals Leader John Barilaro said since the funding was announced one month ago to support our most bushfire affected industries, the Government had worked with industries directly to design the specific assistance needed to get businesses back on their feet and foster long-term recovery.
For more information, including how to apply, important deadlines, program guidelines and eligibility criteria visit www.nsw.gov.au/bushfire-industry-recovery-package.
