OVER $16 MILLION FOR PROJECTS TO SUPPORT BUSHFIRE RECOVERY IN THE SNOWY VALLEYS
The bushfire impacted Snowy Valleys region will receive a critical boost to their recovery from a series of projects to be delivered through Stage Two of the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Goverments.
Duty MLC for Wagga Wagga, Wes Fang, said this funding will enable projects such as funding the Snowy Valleys Emergency Evacuation Centre and Multipurpose Facility.
“$10,685,333 will fund an indoor sports and events facility that has capacity to transform into a state-of-the-art emergency and evacuation centre in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
“Situated in mountainous bushland, the Snowy Valleys region will always be at risk of bushfires and this project will strengthen the community's resilience to future natural disasters” Mr Fang said.
In addition to the Snowy Valleys Emergency Evacuation Centre and Multipurpose Facility, projects funded as part of Stage 2 of the BLER in the Snowy Valleys include:
· $2,735,765 for the Batlow Fruit Company to deliver their new pack-house technology for the Batlow fruit industry, ensuring efficient handling of changes in volumes and greater flexibility to respond to market demands.
· $1,750,000 for the upgrade of Batlow Pool to replace the old amenity block; build a wet deck around the toddler pool; and install a ramp into the main pool. The funding will also replace the baby pool with a splash play area; build a new fence; add shade structures; install plant and storage areas; provide solar blankets; and improve drainage and backflow pipes.
· $900,000 to upgrade Tumut Pool and improve swimming facilities for babies and young children, replacing inadequate facilities with a splash play area and learn-to-swim pool.
· $411,758 to complete the structural work required on Adelong's Swinging Bridge to allow the bridge to reopen. The project also includes a playground and landscaping for the old pool site in the surrounding area.
“This funding will aid the local economy and provide modern facillties for the community as well as strengthen business confidence in the region.
“The projects announced today are just one part of the complete recovery journey of the Snowy Valleys region and will help us to continue repairing the social and economic fabric of our communities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the diverse nature of the Stage Two Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund projects was driven by the specific recovery needs of each community and guided by locally led applications.
“People are rebuilding their lives and we are backing projects that will bring communities together, support tourism, provide improved or new social amenity, and increase preparedness to future bushfires. All of these things play a part in recovery.”
Mr Barilaro said more than 650 applications were received from 47 LGAs impacted by the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires in NSW, requesting a total of $1.6 billion – more than six times the original funding available.
“I understand that preparing and submitting applications takes a lot of time and engery and with such an oversubscription of applications and high demand for funding, it means there will be many disappointed applicants. I am pleased that unsuccessful applicants will have the chance to consider submitting their project to the Australian Government’s $280 million Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants that is expected to open in early July 2021,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Applicants who did not receive funding will be offered an opportunity for feedback on their application and also advice about other funding options that they might wish to consider.”
The Department of Regional NSW led the merit-based assessment of all 652 applications against the published guidelines and assessment criteria. The robust, fair and transparent process was overseen by independent probity advisors from both the Australian and NSW governments.
Applications were assessed and recommended by the Department of Regional NSW and subsequently reviewed and endorsed by the National Recovery and Resilience Agency, with final funding decisions approved by the NSW Government.
The Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package is one part of the $4.5 billion overarching bushfire support program co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments for bushfire recovery, response and preparedness in NSW.
For further information, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/blerfund