Vital infrastructure in bushfire affected communities such as roads, rail lines, bridges, schools, hospitals and communication facilities will be rebuilt with the help of $1 billion.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding will provide an immediate source of money to ensure key infrastructure is restored so communities can get back on their feet as soon as possible.
“The bushfire season is far from over but we know how important it is for communities to start the recovery process where possible,” Berejiklian said.
Following initial discussions with the Federal Government, Berejiklian confirmed that the Federal Government contribution will focus on direct payments to individuals, small business and local councils.
“The NSW Government’s focus will be to rebuild and where appropriate, improve the infrastructure,” she said.
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Perrottet said the $1 billion fund would ensure recovery work could commence without delay and will also have a secondary benefit of stimulating local economies hit hard by bushfires.
“This money will help fast track the recovery process and will also provide an important economic boost to communities doing it tough,” Perrottet said.
“Nobody can undo what is done, but what we can do is ensure these communities have every chance and opportunity to get back to business and start rebuilding as soon as possible.”
“With fires impacting communities all across the state, we know the task is enormous but the NSW Government will do whatever it takes to help repair the damage and rebuild communities.”
The announcement follows the NSW Government’s disaster assistance funding for this bushfire season of up to $231 million already committed.
This includes:
- $166 million to fight fires on top of the record 2019/20 RFS Budget
- $25 million to facilitate the clean-up of both insured and uninsured homes damaged or destroyed by the fires.
- $23 million for grants of up to $15,000 for primary producers and small businesses to assist with clean-up and the replacement of infrastructure
- $6 million for additional mental health services for individuals, community groups and emergency services personnel
- $11 million to fund the Economic Recovery and Community Resilience Grants Program.