Community Recovery Assistance Extended for More Bushfire Affected Communities in NSW

THE HON GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN MP PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES

THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP MINISTER FOR WATER RESOURCES, DROUGHT, RURAL FINANCE, NATURAL DISASTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

THE HON DAVID ELLIOTT MP NEW SOUTH WALES MINISTER FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

The Commonwealth and NSW Governments are providing another $3.5 million to extend the community recovery assistance program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to the Wingecarribee and Wollondilly LGAs.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this additional funding brings the total Federal-State recovery fund to more than $63 million. “Having witnessed firsthand the devastation these bushfires have inflicted on locals and their communities it is vital the Government act right away to provide assistance as quickly as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.  “We have already made available support for people who are suffering personal hardship; help for people whose homes have been damaged; funding for firefighting operations and to restore damaged essential public assets; and financial support for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations.  “Importantly, we are also supporting these communities to become more resilient to disasters by extending the NSW Bushfires Economic Recovery and Community Resilience Grants Program.”

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said getting back to business was one of the best ways to recover. “This will help farmers and small business clean-up, repair damaged equipment and fencing and replace stock,” Minister Littleproud said.  “This will make sure businesses can open and people are back to work sooner.  “When money flows around a community it can help to speed up the whole recovery.  “$1.35 million will go to delivering mental health services for communities, volunteers and emergency services staff in these areas. “The Federal Government will stand by these communities until they’re back on their feet and will make further assistance available as it is needed. “The bushfires in NSW have been devastating for many communities and we are committed to supporting them long-term.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said that although firefighters were still on the frontline fighting the blazes, recovery efforts need to get underway immediately to provide relief to suffering communities. “Communities are hurting right now and we hear their calls for assistance. We still have fire fighters on the frontline saving lives and property but we are already fighting to save livelihoods,” Mr Elliott said. “We are in it for the long haul and by your side every step of the way.” “In addition to the funding for recovery grants and mental health support, $1.15 million is being provided for NSW Bushfires Economic Recovery and Community Resilience Grants Program to provide targeted grants to community groups, local governments, industry groups and incorporated organisations for locally led recovery and resilience building activities.”

The recovery grants are being jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments through the DRFA. To apply for recovery grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.

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