$1 Billion to Rebuild Bushfire Impacted Communities

Member for Manly James Griffin has said the NSW Government has committed $1 billion in funding to repair key infrastructure impacted by bushfires across NSW.

“This funding will ensure that work can begin as soon as possible to repair local infrastructure, and that in turn will benefit the local economy and businesses working to repair the damage,” Mr Griffin said.

Mr Griffin said the Manly community was playing their part in assisting rural fire service volunteers who have lost their homes whilst fighting fires this bushfire season.

“The generosity of the Manly community knows no limits, and I have been amazed by the kindness of local businesses who have reached out to support our volunteers.”

Following the bushfire season up to 40 rural fire service volunteers will enjoy two night stays at one of four local hotels, with meal and restaurant vouchers included, amongst a variety of offerings from local businesses—from live entertainment to yoga.

Local businesses and residents who wish to contribute can contact the Manly Business Chamber through email at [email protected]

For state-owned infrastructure across the NSW firegrounds, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced the $1 billion funding over the next two years to rebuild bushfire impacted communities.

The funding will prioritise the repair and rebuilding of vital infrastructure, such as roads, rail-lines, bridges, schools, health facilities and communications facilities, which have been damaged or destroyed in the bushfire crisis.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: “This money will provide an immediate source of funding to ensure key infrastructure is restored so that communities can get back to 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.”

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said: “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.”

This announcement is on top of 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.

Ms Berejiklian said following initial discussions with the Federal Government, it has been 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,” Ms Berejiklian said.