Nine community projects across East Gippsland will share in $2.4 million of funding to assist bushfire recovery efforts in the region under the Local Economic Recovery Program (LERP).
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the joint Federal-State Government program would create local jobs, improve community resilience and boost the visitor economy in the longer term.
“This money will support a range of projects that have been identified as local priorities by many smaller communities which were affected by the bushfires,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s a good start but there’s a lot more to be done and we need to focus on delivering all of the funding that’s been promised to bushfire-impacted regions like East Gippsland.
“Among the projects are upgrades to halls which are used for community gatherings, particularly in emergencies, and improvements to sporting and recreation facilities that will benefit locals and visitors to the region.”
The program is part of a joint investment of $68.6 million for bushfire recovery initiatives, announced by the Australian and Victorian governments.
Funding for LERP projects is one of the initiatives supported by the Australian Government’s National Bushfire Recovery Fund, which is worth more than $2 billion. To date, more than $1.8 billion in Australian Government support has been provided to help bushfire affected communities, including $1.2 billion spent so far from the National Bushfire Recovery Fund.
Details of successful local economic recovery projects in Victoria – and across other states – are available on the National Bushfire Recovery Agency website at www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/local-recovery-projects
The successful East Gippsland projects under this round of funding are:
- $426,048 to develop a multi-purpose community facility in Tambo Crossing.
- $184,617 to fund major upgrades to the Genoa Tennis Courts to accommodate basketball and netball.
- $118,127 to fund the Buchan Gelantipy and District Renewal Community connection and resilience program includes improving the Wulgulmerang sports ground, Gelantipy hall, Buchan recreation reserve and the Buchan Hall.
- $115,000 to upgrade the Marlo Triangle Park playground.
- $75,000 to upgrade the Nowa Nowa Boat ramp to allow access all year round.
- $341,600 to upgrade the Omeo Rodeo facility to host more frequent events.
- $140,000 to fund a position working toward Recovery and Resilience Building for Children with Additional Needs and their families in East Gippsland.
- $924,690 to revitalise and modernise community facilities at Livingstone Park in Omeo.
- $114,688 Repair and upgrade Swan Reach netball courts damaged when the recreation reserve was used as a base for firefighting operations.
The funding is in addition to $600,000 announced for the Mallacoota skate park last week, and $2.1 million in Federal funding for the first stage of works on the Mallacoota-Genoa Rd.
