More funding for New England after bushfires

13 Feb 2020

Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Armidale, Walcha and Inverell councils will receive further bushfire recovery funding from a $17 million fund through The National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

 

The following funding is in addition to $1 million recovery payments already received under this fund and $2 million payments being delivered to all 10 councils in the New England under the Drought Communities Fund.

 

Tenterfield Shire Council will receive $416,667 in the latest round of bushfire funding, Glen Innes Severn Council, Armidale Regional Council $300,000 each, while Walcha and Inverell councils will receive a further $275,000 each.

 

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the extra funding would empower local regions to lead local recovery.

 

“People in the New England know what matters most to them – it’s only fair they should decide how the money is spent,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“The fires have hit hard from Tenterfield to Walcha but we’re resilient and local people know what’s needed to recover which is why the Federal Government is making further funding available.

 

“The National Bushfire Recovery Agency made an independent decision of where the money should be allocated.

 

“The agency looked at a range of factors including population, disaster recovery payments already received, the area burnt and socio-economic factors of the council area.

 

The 60 councils where Category C assistance was activated as of 24 January 2020 were eligible for the funding.

 

All councils have been informed of their funding which will range from $200,000 to $416,667.

 

Local government areas can use the funding for rebuilding council infrastructure such roads, bridges, and community facilities; refencing and hosting activities that bring communities together.

 

(ENDS)

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