South coast bushfires: Millions in funding for bushfire-impacted industries and infrastructure
Millions of dollars will be pumped into the south coast to help bushfire-impacted industries and infrastructure rebuild, although some will still “suffer for years to come”.
The South Coast News
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South coast infrastructure and industry projects will receive more than $3 million in funding as communities attempt to rebuild following the devastating summer bushfires.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the projects paid for out of the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, which opened this week, will help communities get “back on their feet” and will be a “vital economic driver in bushfire affected regions”.
“We know that recovery is not only an individual journey, but a community and business journey,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Having places to come together, attractions for visitors, improvements to local infrastructure and support for key local industries were identified as priorities for communities and we have listened.
“Importantly, these joint federal and state investments are a sign of our strong confidence in these communities and their long-term futures.”
Bega Valley Shire Council general manager Leanne Barnes said, while it has taken “a long time” for money to flow to businesses, “a considerable amount of money” has been provided to the region, with more to come.
“It is supporting industries who have shown they can improve employment outcomes,” Ms Barnes said.
“It’s great to have it out there.”
Bega mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said south coast industries “need to keep building”.
“A lot of exporters like the oysters have had trade die down, but with the Victorian border opening back up on November 23, that will get us going,” he said.
“It’s been a long process, and some industries will suffer for years to come.”
On the south coast, $180,500 has been announced for a Pallet Collar Production Line Upgrade in Eden, which will include a roof mounted fire suppression sprinkler system to prevent against bushfire ember attack.
A further $1,050,000 will go to the expansion of the Wood Pellet Production Line in Eden.
In the aquaculture sector $300,000 will go to Broadwater Oysters to develop new manufacturing processes which will double the production of Sydney rock oysters and create five full-time equivalent positions.
In Wonboyn, $170,404 has been announced for a Wonboyn Resilience Project to help adapt farming methods in response to changing environmental conditions and repair fire damaged infrastructure.
A further $62,000 has been announced for Stirling Oysters in Nethercote to help support the development of the oyster export market from the Merimbula Lake.
At Morans Crossing near Bemboka, $670,000 will go towards upgrading and modernising dairy operations production methods, providing an opportunity to diversify income streams, improve water-use efficiency at the site and build economic resilience.
The project will also provide employment opportunities and help to strengthen a key industry and reduce the economic impact of future natural disasters.
A further $1,500,000 was announced for dairy farming in Verona, to develop new manufacturing processes, adding to additional employment and training opportunities.
More than $500 million has been set aside by the Australian and NSW governments to support projects in areas hit by the summer bushfires.
Mr Littleproud said the investment would help businesses to keep employing locals and “allow them to play an important role in local economic recovery”.
“The funding will provide an injection of local economic stimulus to support work for locals in fire affected regions, with jobs created both during and post construction,” he said.
“Projects announced today will also provide social benefits for community members in the years to come, supporting tourism, community sports and providing essential amenity, or increasing preparedness to future bushfires. All of these things play a part in recovery.”
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the funding will help create jobs in bushfire-affected regions.
“While the physical environment in many bushfire regions is starting to show signs of repairing, jobs and infrastructure must follow which is why we are funding these important community projects,” he said.
“As we push our way forward towards economic recovery, regional NSW will play a large role in stimulating our nation’s economy so our focus is on improving essential community infrastructure and industry development.”
“This funding will put people back in work and deliver a variety of shovel-ready projects and programs that will make a genuine difference to the lives of people living in regional communities.”