Organisations are being urged to design innovative projects to help the Blue Mountains community continue to bounce back following last October’s bushfires.
NSW Emergency Services Minister Stuart Ayres joined Member for Blue Mountains Roza Sage and Member for Macquarie Louise Markus in Springwood last Friday to launch the $970,000 Blue Mountains Bushfire Grants Program, jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments.
“Many people living in the Blue Mountains remain vulnerable and traumatised by the bushfires and businesses have also been hard hit,” said Mr Ayres, MP for Penrith.
“What we are looking for are the community’s own solutions.
“Targeted funds will be available to make a real difference in the community.”
The program is part of the $1.8 million recovery package announced in February and is in addition to $11.4 million already provided for emergency assistance and the clean-up effort.
Mrs Markus said the package would aid social recovery and drive economic growth.
“Round one of the two-stage grants program will specifically fund social and economic recovery-focused projects or a combination of both,” Mrs Markus said.
“Round two will be reserved for social recovery projects which may require further time to develop.”
Mrs Sage said the program was established with strong community consultation and round one applications will close at midnight on Sunday, June 8.
“We are now eager to see programs designed that meet the community’s needs,” Mrs Sage said.
“The Blue Mountains Recovery team is now available to provide advice to applicants about developing their proposals for funding.”
Guidelines, supporting documents and other information can be found at www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/bushfiregrants.
And further advice is available by calling 1300-707-155.
