Communities across the Scenic Rim are being urged to outline their priorities to share in $36.8 million for bushfire recovery projects, announced today by the Australian and Queensland governments.
The funding will support a range of projects in 13 local council areas, determined by the Queensland Government that were most heavily impacted by last year’s bushfire season, including the Scenic Rim.
Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz has encouraged residents, businesses and local community groups affected by the 2019-20 bushfires to contact him with project ideas and talk to council about their priorities for recovery.
“It is vital that the community is heard so local needs can be reflected in the projects council puts forward for funding.
“The opening of this fund is the critical next step for local communities, moving through the recovery phase, from the impacts of the devastating bushfires.
“We want to build back better for our community, we want to make sure that projects the community identifies support their needs and builds capacity and resilience,” Mr Buchholz said.
This funding will enable community-led recovery by funding projects that have been identified by local communities to support their local recovery needs.
“Of course, priorities will differ across the Scenic Rim, because they each have different impacts, different needs and I encourage anyone who has recovery ideas to get in touch.
“I’ve previously written to Council on behalf of the community, with ideas that have been raised with me. I’ll continue to advocate for the Scenic Rim, through council and the National Bushfire Recovery Agency,”
Projects eligible for funding may include new infrastructure or upgrades to existing infrastructure, initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, local recovery support for businesses, local industry recovery, and neighbourhood and community activities that focus on building capacity, community strength and resilience.
For more information on Local Economic Recovery funding, including details on how to apply, please visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/LER
Guidelines are available here: https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/2019_queensland_bushfires_local_economic_recovery_program_guidelines.pdf
Media contact:
Scott O’Connell
0413 424 384
