Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
The Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program has been boosted to $390 million to further support communities to recover from the 2019-20 bushfires.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said the Government has now increased the funding for the grants program by an additional $110 million to provide more support for the medium and long-term recovery needs identified by affected communities.
“The grants will fund 524 broad recovery projects, from social and community wellbeing through to projects that will support local jobs and help small businesses to grow and prosper. Funding will also assist in rebuilding community infrastructure that was lost or damaged in the fires, such as new emergency services facilities,” Minister McKenzie said.
“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 themselves identified will best support their ongoing recovery.
“We listened to the communities impacted by the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires, and developed this program so that projects submitted were of value and importance to those communities. We received a large number of applications, demonstrating the great need for, and the importance of, community advocacy.
“That’s why the Liberal and National’s Government decided to increase the original $280 million set aside for the Black Summer Bushfire Grants with an additional $110 million, so we can now provide more communities with the support they need,” Minister McKenzie said.
The Grants Hub within the Department of Industry made the initial assessments as to eligibility and thereafter eligible applications were referred to the National Recovery and Resilience Agency (NRRA). A panel chaired by Coordinator-General of the NRRA, the Hon Shane L Stone AC QC, made up of senior officers of the NRRA and two independent external members undertook a competitive, merit-based assessment process.
“This comprehensive process was absolutely integral to ensure the proposals that would best deliver on the objectives of the Program were identified for funding support. However, based on early assessments, the Committee identified that there were so many more projects that met the guidelines,” Mr Stone said.
“I am proud to say the Australian Government is funding all projects that the Committee recommended for funding. This is based on need and merit and on demonstrated ability to offer a lasting and tangible impact, tailored to local needs and conditions. The quality of the projects shows that the ‘locally led’ approach of the NRRA works,” Minister McKenzie said.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all applicants and thank them for their ongoing support to their communities,” Minister McKenzie said.
The Australian Government’s Business Grants Hub will notify applicants of the outcome of their proposals in the coming days.
