Joint media release

Community groups, councils and not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for social recovery and disaster preparedness projects worth up to $300,000 through the joint Australian and NSW Government $25 million Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF).

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan and State Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said this is another opportunity for community groups and councils to lead a grass-roots recovery and deliver projects that boost community well-being and disaster resilience.

“Through Stream 1 of the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has just been awarded $250,000,” Mr Conaghan said.

“This brings the total bushfire recovery funding Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has received from our State and Federal Nationals Coalition Governments to $1,811,667 because we want to see the communities affected by the devastating Black Summer Bushfires supported.”

Mrs Williams said a range of great community projects had so far been delivered for communities in Port Macquarie and Wauchope.

“A range of community events are being rolled out with support from our Governments and the community’s own fundraising efforts, such as a destination marketing campaign, regional business expos and a supporting local business video campaign,” Mrs Williams said.

“But there are a range of other projects which can be supported through Stream 2 of this grant funding such as education workshops to best prepare us for future hazards, so I encourage community groups, not-for-profits and Council to apply by 11 December.”

Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said this fund would enable community-led, smaller recovery projects that would make a real difference to the local communities where they are delivered.

“This funding allows councils to invest in smaller projects that will directly benefit recovery efforts and help communities across NSW recover in their own way, and is delivered under long standing joint Australian and state funding arrangements,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We are continuing to work closely with state governments and councils to ensure that funding is available for a range of recovery projects which are identified and delivered at the local and community level. There is $25 million set aside for community led projects under Stream 2 of the BCRRF program as well as funding support provided through the National Bushfire Recovery Fund.”

For more information about the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund, including how to apply, visit the Resilience NSW website. Applications close at 12pm on 11 December 2020.

Also this week, the application period for grants under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, also co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, was extended until 28 January 2021. This fund opened to applications on 27 October. For more information visit the NSW Government website.

Media Contacts:

Mr Littleproud – Douglas Ferguson 0455 448 985

Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744

Mrs Williams – Terry Sara 0409 834 648