MILLION-DOLLAR RECOVERY GRANT FOR BUSHFIRE-HIT COMMUNITIES IN SNOWY VALLEYS COUNCIL AREA: McCORMACK

Bushfire-hit communities in the Snowy Valleys Council area will be able to rebuild vital infrastructure sooner with an initial and immediate $1 million grant from the Federal Government.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the funding injection would mean the Council would be able to choose the best way to use the money to best serve the local community.

“I have seen first-hand the devastation these fires have caused regional communities,” Mr McCormack said.

“We know local communities are going to need a lot of support to get through this crisis and to recover in the months and years ahead.

“This $1 million is just the beginning of what we know will be a long recovery.”

Funding will be directed to councils which have been ‘activated’ by their respective state government for Category C bushfire disaster recovery relief under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Payments will not require matched funding from state governments.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the focus would be on supporting local communities.

“I’ve made it clear this won’t be a Canberra led recovery, it’ll be a locally led recovery and this is our first instalment in that process. We’re empowering local governments to be part of that process today. We’re committed to rebuilding communities but also the lives of those impacted by these devastating fires,” Minister Littleproud said.

Funds will be drawn from the $2 billion allocated to the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and this is in addition to funding that is automatically available to councils through other disaster recovery arrangements.

The lump sum payments will be delivered by the Commonwealth by the close of business tomorrow to State Governments who administer payments to councils.

The only condition placed on councils is that they develop a Program of Works within three months and report back to the Commonwealth in 12 months’ time.

Councils will be able to spend their $1 million payments on projects and activities that they deem essential for the recovery and renewal of their communities, including:

• Rebuilding damaged or destroyed council assets such as key local roads, bridges, and community facilities;

• Employing additional local staff to take on specialist recovery or planning roles to help coordinate and plan the rebuilding effort;

• Hosting new public activities and events to bring communities together and attract visitors back to affected regions; and

• Immediate maintenance and repairs to relief and evacuation centres.