Bushfire-affected communities from the Burdekin to the border will benefit from $1.8 million for 37 projects to aid their recovery and boost their resilience for future disasters.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the first round grants are designed to maximise flexibility in targeting local priorities and jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
“These fires were an enormous blow to communities as far north as Cooktown and as far south as border communities in the Gold Coast Hinterland,” Ms Landry said.
“This is an excellent example of cooperation between governments in this vitally important area, and I look forward to working closely with the Queensland government to enhance resilience in the face of severe natural disasters.
“The Australian and Queensland governments are committed to the long-term recovery of Queensland communities, which were hit hard by the bushfires.”
Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rouke said the range and geographic spread of these successful grant recipients reflects the widespread destruction of the bushfires last year.
“The projects receiving funding will assist communities with bushfire season preparations, community preparedness, and equipment to assist with disaster mitigation, community events and upgrades to community infrastructure,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“These grants are particularly important as many of the affected communities have also taken a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These communities have been hit by double disasters, first devastating bushfires and then the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Both of these events have placed these communities under economic and social hardship and we know that many residents in these areas are doing it tough right now,” she said.
The Flexible Funding grants were open to 23 local government areas affected by the bushfires.
Projects receiving a grant under this round of funding include:
• $99,000 to Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers Ltd for a recovery and resilience in the horticulture industry pilot project in Central Queensland
• $68,848 to Baffle Creek Community Inc to undertake improvements to the Baffle Creek Community Centre
• $35,000 to Save Mt Lofty Inc for a community bushfire preparation project in Toowoomba
• $80,848 to Mount Larcom and District Show Society Inc for a community disaster recovery hub and animal refuge.
Councils in bushfire affected communities are also benefiting from the grants, with funding for projects to be delivered by the Brisbane City, Cook Shire, Livingstone Shire, Mareeba Shire, Redland City, Scenic Rim Regional, Somerset Regional, South Burnett Regional, Toowoomba Regional and Whitsunday Regional Councils.
These council-run projects include:
• $63,800 for Livingstone Shire Council to build community resilience at The Caves
• $35,000 for Brisbane City Council to deliver a bushfire awareness program in the Pullenvale ward
• $42,750 to Toowoomba Regional Council for fire trails at Crows Nest and Millmerran West.
For more information, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/recovery-after-disaster
