Two projects in Muswellbrook Shire are among the 524 to benefit from $4.1 million in funding from the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program.
Senator for New South Wales, Perin Davey said the overall program funding was boosted by $110 million to $390 million to further support communities around Australia to recover from the 2019-20 bushfires.
"As part of the now $2.2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund, the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program is backing projects which the affected communities have said will best support their ongoing recovery," Senator Davey said.
Muswellbrook Shire Council’s General Manager Fiona Plesman said that the $546,980 grant to replace Oakleigh Bridge in Widden Valley Road and a $152,304 grant for the purchase of five LED Fire Danger Indicator Signs are welcomed by Council.
Fiona Plesman, Muswellbrook Shire Council General Manager“The two grants will fund a safety initiative – the fire danger indicator signs - and a crucial infrastructure project – replacement of the last timber bridge in the Shire – which will make an enormous difference to the people that live in the Widden Valley."It is important that funded projects offer a lasting and tangible impact tailored to local needs and conditions,” she said.
Other local projects to receive funding are:
- Cessnock City Council: Cessnock Airport RFS Aviation Fire Base Project
- Cessnock City Council: Support Local and Product Champion Program
- Lake Macquarie City Council: Enhance Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) for Economic Resilience
- Lake Macquarie City Council: The ART of Recovery
- Singleton Council: Emergency Signage and Portable Water Tanks
- Singleton Council: Mobile Phone Boosters for Rural Community Buildings
More details of the funded projects are available on the National Recovery and Resilience Agency website at: https://recovery.gov.au/black-summer-bushfires/grants-program
Image: Courtesy of Peter Holland, Putty Black Summer Bushfires
