Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz has announced $2,175,000 in funding under the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program (BSBRGP) to reduce the risk of bushfire and create a more resilient community, in the Lockyer Valley.
Mr Buchholz said he fought hard for the region and was pleased to have secured funding for these projects.
“I have advocated night and day for our region, and I am thrilled for the community that I have secured this funding. I see the hard work communities are undertaking towards their own recovery, and this is another way we are in lock step with them on the recovery journey,” Mr Buchholz said.
“This funding is an investment in the Lockyer, and it will support our recovery as well as create a more resilient community, that is the legacy.
“The more than $2 million in funding will support the Lockyer Valley Regional Council to deliver two projects, including the upgrade of community halls to make them more suitable as emergency hubs during disasters.
“Secondly, the Council will partner with the community and deliver a program that focuses on reducing the risk of catastrophic bushfires through preventative land management.
Lockyer Valley Regional Councill will have two projects funded under the program, including:
- Community Safer Locations – This project will build more sustainable and resilient communities in partnership with community groups across the region to conduct renewal works to community halls. $1,500,000
- FIREWALL – Bushfire Resilient Integrated Land Management, a project to reduce the risk of catastrophic bushfires in the Lockyer Valley Region, by applying preventative land management actions on specific high risk Council managed land.
Mr Buchholz said the grants program was about giving the community the capacity to design and deliver projects that they desired and that would deliver a long-term legacy for residents
“This community has dealt with disaster many times before, the people, the businesses, the farmers – they have pulled together and got through it. We know that recovery is a long, hard haul and communities are best placed to decide on what the local area needs.
“The Federal Government has worked hand-in-glove with the community to support the recovery, to make sure the funding is spent where it is desired and to have a locally led recovery,” Mr Buchholz said.
Mr Buchholz said the funded projects were community driven.
“While these funds are not designed to replace the significant loss of property, or raise the horrific memories of the fires, these funds are designed to build resilience and rebuild our community.
“I thank all those who made an application to the fund on behalf of the community,” Mr Buchholz.
Background
- This Government has boosted the program by a further $110 million to a total of $390m.
- 524 projects will be funded under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program, with communities devastated by the 2019-20 bushfires sharing $390 million in support.
- New emergency services facilities, mental health services and support, and upgraded community amenities are among the 524 projects funded under the program.
2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires impact
- 246 sq km burnt (11 per cent of Lockyer Valley)
- 166 sq km of primary production land burnt (11 per cent of primary production land)
- 64 sq km of bushlands and forests burnt (83 per cent of bushlands and forests)
An estimated $52.2 million in damage to the local economy or 3.8% of the total local economy).
Ends.
