$250 Million to boost Bushfire Recovery

Businesses and residents on the Central Coast are now eligible for funding for new infrastructure and initiatives that will drive economic recovery, thanks to the $250 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said funding applications open today to Central Coast Council, local businesses and not-for-profit groups.

“The Central Coast has endured the triple whammy of bushfires, flooding and COVID-19 over the past 12 months,” Mr Crouch said.

“The focus of the $250 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund is to put people back in work, retain existing jobs and improve our region through infrastructure and industry development.

“This much-needed funding is available for a variety of projects, such as community and cultural infrastructure, tourism infrastructure like walking trails, regional events and work-ready training programs.

“For the Central Coast to receive its fair share of funding, local organisations including the Council need to apply for projects that deliver a clear public benefit.”

Grants of between $200,000 and $20 million are available to organisations through the open round, including the Council, Business Chambers, businesses, charities and the Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Alongside the open call for project ideas, shovel-ready projects are being identified in bushfire-impacted areas, including parts of the Central Coast, so that they can be considered and fast-tracked.

Funding applications are open until Friday, 11 December 2020.

For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/blerfund.