August 13, 2020
Council and State agencies in the Gympie, Toowoomba and Somerset local government areas can now apply for up to $5 million in joint State / Federal bushfire relief.
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority is administering the $36.8 million Local Economic Recovery Fund through Category D of Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Thirteen local government areas are eligible to apply: Bundaberg, Gladstone, Gympie, Ipswich, Livingstone, Lockyer Valley, Mareeba, Noosa, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.
“This joint funding is for projects that support local and regional recovery, with funding allocated based on community needs,” Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said.
“That could be economic or social, in relation to the rebuilding of infrastructure, or to do with the natural environment.
“Local councils will have a key role in putting the right projects forward and I encourage communities to engage with their local council on recovery priorities.”
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said the Local Economic Recovery Fund would prove crucial in helping Queensland bounce back from one of its toughest periods.
“The crippling economic effects we’re now seeing as a result of COVID-19 have only added more stress to parts of our State that were already pushed to the limits,” Mr Dick said.
“Battling severe bushfires in 2019, and drought for an extended period before that, these affected regions were hurting long before the current pandemic arrived.
“Every project backed through this fund will help Queensland businesses, workers and families.
“So whether an eligible council or State agency is looking to build or strengthen infrastructure, deliver local support services or host community activities and events, I encourage them to submit an expression of interest.”
- More information is available online. Expressions of interest close on September 7.
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