Funding for local projects to support bushfire recovery effort

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced funding for local projects to be delivered through Stage Two of the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Mr Ward said that the projects funded include:

• $3.83 million funding for Shoalhaven City Council to improve resilience of four local showgrounds in the Shoalhaven – adding new bathroom and laundry facilities, a camp kitchen, dining spaces and stock holding yards and stables. The improved showgrounds will support community responses to local emergencies, generate ongoing tourism, community, business activities and economic recovery;
• $2.75 million funding for Nowra Local Aboriginal Land Council for the ‘Caring for Country Traineeship Project’ which will establish an Aboriginal-led management team in the Shoalhaven and provide a year of full-time employment and training to 12 Aboriginal jobseekers. The project will be delivered by Local Aboriginal Land Councils in Nowra, Jerrinja and Ulladulla;
• $995,023 funding for Destination Sydney Surrounds South Limited for the virtual ‘Hospitality and Tourism South Coast Centre of Excellence’ which will create a pipeline of skilled local workers, providing lasting careers for local residents. This project will boost the economic recovery of our region by addressing workforce shortages; elevating visitor experiences and supporting local businesses; and
• $489,000 funding for Shoalhaven City Council to upgrade major telecommunication sites – this project will improve the resilience of major council-managed telecommunication sites through the installation of remote power generation; expanded battery storage; flood protection; and remote monitoring of key performance indicators.

“These projects are another part of the recovery journey and will help us to continue repairing the social and economic fabric of our local communities,” Mr Ward said.

“More than a year has passed since we cleared 3,600 properties damaged or destroyed by the Black Summer bushfires and we are continuing to deliver the support our communities need in recovery.

“People are rebuilding their lives and I am very pleased to see that the Commonwealth and NSW Government’s are backing some outstanding projects that will bring our communities together, support tourism and provide new opportunities,” Mr Ward concluded.

For further information, please visit the website at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/blerfund.