Disaster Recovery Funding to be invested back in to the community

Disaster Recovery Funding to be invested back in to the community

Cessnock City Council has announced its plan for the distribution of the $1 million Disaster Recovery Funding received from the Federal Government following the bush fires last year. The funding is to be spent on projects and activities that Council deems essential for the recovery and renewal of the local community.  

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent is pleased with the program of works that address not only infrastructure damage but the impacts the bushfires have had on local business operators.  

“A big ticket item is the upgrade of Yango Creek Bridge. $500,000 has been allocated to upgrade the bridge to provide greater capacity for fire truck and other large vehicles. It’s fantastic to be able to ensure better access for our emergency services, building resilience for any future fire events.”  

“In determining how to best use the funding it was extremely clear we needed to support our local business community. Tourism related businesses were hit hard during the bush fire emergency and even in the weeks following. $100,000 has been earmarked for Destination Marketing, promoting the ‘open for business’ campaigns.”  

Funding has also been allocated to the following projects:  

$300,000 for the regrading and rehabilitation of unsealed roads in Wollombi, Laguna, Bucketty, Paynes Crossing and Congewai areas. $40,000 for embankment and stabilisation works in various locations $30,000 for a temporary Disaster Recovery ‘Infrastructure’ Officer. The role will set up specialised ‘Recover’ software and systems to support the recording of infrastructure impacts from disaster events. This will also supports the disaster claims process   $20,000 for road pavements repairs at Paynes Crossing  $10,000 for the replacement of damaged tourist signage in the Wollombi area.  

Council will also engage with Wollombi and Laguna communities in relation to the $250,000 grant provided by the NSW Government’s Economic Recovery and Community Resilience Fund.

 2/24/2020