26 projects worth a total of $56,064,164 million have just been approved in Eden-Monaro by the Australian and New South Wales governments, to boost local economies as communities recover from the 2019-20 bushfires.
Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan said “ the projects in Eden-Monaro are among 49 industry projects jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Government to support local economic recovery after the fires.”
Senator Molan said “the 26 projects approved in Eden-Monaro include:
- $3,509,000 to Apple Thief Batlow Cider House development in Batlow, NSW. This project proposes a multi-faceted business development, involving a new cider manufacturing and distribution centre, and adding further value via an immersive tourism experience (farm gate sales, interactive experiences). The existing “Apple Thief” cider business will be relocated to Batlow, replacing current interstate contract fermentation and bottling arrangement with an integrated new cidery, using Batlow apples and providing new employment opportunities in Batlow. During this overall development, a new specialist cider variety apple organic orchard will be established on site, as well as a ‘hub’ offering space for community and private events.
- $480,000 to Wondalga Road Timber Link – Junction Upgrade in Wondalga, NSW. This project will repair the Wondalga Road junction, which is an important part of the logistics network linking the softwood plantations of the Snowy Valleys Functional Economic Region with the world-scale sawmills and pulp mill of the region.
- $300,000 to Broadwater Oysters Flipping Farming to Sustainability in Broadwater (South), NSW. This project aims to develop new manufacturing processes by transforming tray and floating basket Aquaculture system into a ‘Flip-Farm’, to double production of Sydney Rock Oysters and generate 5 fulltime equivalent positions for local employment in the seafood sector.
- $3,952,571 to Snowy Valleys Itinerant Worker Accommodation in Batlow, NSW. The project will support construction of infrastructure at the Batlow Caravan Park to increase the amount of accommodation available for itinerant workers employed in the horticulture industry across the local government area. This is to address the loss of accommodation during the 2019-20 bushfires, and to meet the identified demand for increased accommodation capacity so the horticulture industry can undertake recovery initiatives.
- $170,404 to Wonboyn Resilience Project in Wonboyn, NSW. This project aims to support the oyster farmers of Wonboyn to adapt farming methods in response to changing environmental conditions, enabling sustainability and growth of the industry. By replacing, upgrading and/or adapting existing plant and equipment, this project will assist in the repair of damaged infrastructure post January 2020 bushfires.
- $240,000 to Project Tumbarumba Rising Star in Courabyra, NSW. This grant will support Tumbarumba Vignerons Association Incorporated Project, Tumbarumba Rising Star by fundin
a 5-year Industry Development Plan that will set out and prioritise strategies and actions to achieve objectives.
employment of an Executive Officer for 3 years, to collaborate on development of the Plan; drive implementation of the Plan, and particularly to elevate the Tumbarumba wine brand to match that of Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley.
education and skills upgrade of growers and winemakers using industry leaders to present workshops, field days, wine benchmarking, and masterclasses.
activities that will improve market distribution, brand awareness, and drive sales
- $418,000 to MTV – More Than a Vision in Tumbarumba, NSW. This project will support the growth of Mount Tumbarumba Vineyard through:
Construction of an energy-efficient, contemporary cellar door to enable local agritourism experiences and to expand direct to consumer sales;
Construction of two boutique accommodation spaces adjoining the cellar door
Fit-out of a small commercial kitchen to enable on-site café / function catering, and to provide a leasable space for other businesses;
Fit-out of the cellar door and accommodation spaces with elegant yet functional furnishings
Creation of a captivating garden and landscaped area, including a petanque court, to be used for functions and to encourage guest and cellar door visitor engagement.
- $180,500 for Pallet Collar Production Line Upgrade in Eden, NSW. This project will fund the installation of an upgraded new pallet collar production line and new equipment, and fit a roof mounted fire suppression sprinkler system to prevent against bushfire ember attack.
- $10,000,000 for a partnership to invest $30m in regional NSW to secure the future of 1,200 manufacturing jobs in Tumut, NSW. This project involves the installation of a Stacker Reclaimer system, an advanced wood fibre handling augmentation. This upgrade/adaption would lead to a material and transformational shift in the processing of plantation softwood resources, ensuring the sustainability and continued growth of the region’s forestry industry and jobs.
- $1,050,000 for the expansion of Wood Pellet Production Line in Eden, NSW. This project is for the installation of a raw material wood fibre collection bunker and walking floor, biomass dryer and heat plant, raw material storage silo and a larger higher capacity wood pellet production plant (larger than existing pellet line) and automatic bagging line.
- $945,240 for a power upgrade for major SEFE Industry Development in Edrom, NSW. The project will replace, upgrade and/or adapt the damaged Eden export chip facility. New developments and restoring the existing processing capacity with associated job retention and job-creating projects requires increased electricity capacity load. This project seeks to provide the necessary infrastructure to upgrade the site power distribution network.
- $1,109,460 to Professionalising the NSW oyster industry: The road to recovery & future resilience in New South Wales. This project will develop a ‘Responsible Oyster Farming Program’ – a series of short training modules aligned with the industry code of practice to upskill existing farmers or those entering the industry. Aims to support the workforce needs of the Aquaculture industry.
- $514,400 to Environmental Risk Management System: Innovation for Resilience in the NSW Oyster Industry in New South Wales. This project will design individual estuary/harvest area management plans to mitigate future bushfire and environmental impacts on industry, to decrease closure days and provide practical advice on risk mitigation strategies during future bushfire related poor water quality events. It will model and assess water quality risks to harvesting in each estuary, and where data supports it, change harvest area management to reduce closure times. Research and development studies will be conducted.
- $1,942,629 to Future-Proofing the NSW Apiary Industry and Keeping Beekeepers in Jobs in New South Wales. This Project will help future-proof the NSW apiary industry and keep beekeepers in jobs by improving confidence and investment in the NSW apiary industry.
- $113,410 to Marketing NSW oysters: Driving demand to facilitate sustainable growth in New South Wales. This project provides resources for NSW Farmers to contribute towards a national marketing campaign (established by Oysters Australia) and its implementation across NSW. Project involves industry wide marketing and promotional activities to promote the stockpiling of current oyster production.
- $991,000 to Ardrossan Orchards Nursery Development in Batlow NSW. This project will develop a nursery which adopts the latest nursery practices, to support fast track tree availability, including innovative growing practices and tissue cultures in tubes. It will strengthen the Batlow regions capability and competitive advantage as a growing region, expedite tree availability for Batlow’s apple industry recovery and ensure consistent tree quality at affordable prices. The flow on benefits will increase economic activity and job security in the Batlow region.
- $62,000 to Stirling Oysters Export Market Development in Nethercote, NSW. This project will support the development of the oyster export market from the Merimbula lake aquaculture region. The project includes a marketing program, engaging expertise & implement strategies recommended for exporting product, improving on ground facilities and equipment to allow product diversification and expansion of production capacity, attending and engage in industry export workshops/ seminars, identifying, targeting & implementing production systems to create industry farming best practice and ultimately expand the oyster market.
- $10,000,000 to Project Corner in Tumut, NSW. This project will upgrade and modernise the Tumut Mill, incorporating the latest innovative technologies to increase production and reduce waste. When completed the project will support the recovery of the regions timber industry, provide new job opportunities and support the local recovery.
- $670,000 to Resource Sustainability, Dairy Growth and Diversification in Morans Crossing, NSW. This project will upgrade and modernise dairy operations production methods, providing an opportunity to diversify income streams, improve water-use efficiency at the site and build economic resilience. For the region, the project will provide employment opportunities and help to strengthen a key industry and reduce the economic-impact of future natural disasters.
- $275,000 to Snowy Mountains Forest Tarcutta Creek Bridge Linkage Project in Taradale, NSW. This project will replace the existing bridge on Tarcutta Creek and Baga Creek with a new structure and locate another crossing at the western end of the plantation. The project will support the recovery of the forestry industry in the region, supporting job growth, safety and economic recovery.
- $2,283,050 to Bush Fire Recovery – Sector Development Grant Planting Program in Kunama, NSW. This project will support apple production in this region, a key part of the horticulture industry in the region. Delivering modern, high-density production areas and making use of previously unproductive blocks the project will support economic growth and work opportunities in the region as it recovers.
- $43,500 to Tumbarumba Wines Escape cellar door refurbishment in Mannus, NSW. This project will deliver expanded tourism facilities to support the regions economic recovery and boost tourism and event opportunities. The project is delivering an enhanced cellar and function facilities, providing jobs, diversifying and growth the regions economic potential.
- $1,500,000 to Modulated Expansion Model – Dairy Production in Verona, NSW. This project will develop new manufacturing processes that extends dairy lines, expand the product range and double capacity. This in turn adding to additional employment, training opportunities and benefit to the community at large, providing a model for future boutique dairy processing facilities.
- $314,000 to Tourism Diversification and Product Growth in Berrambool, NSW. This project will support diversification of production and income streams for this site. The project will increase on-site production, develop new products (including plant breeding and sales) and develop tourism opportunities. Tourism opportunities, including site tours and tastings will encourage tourism to the region, helping economic recovery and supporting job growth.
- $ 2,500,000 to the Braidwood Heritage Centre in Braidwood, NSW. This project will fund a series of developments and upgrades at the Braidwood Heritage Centre. The project will deliver new accommodation, shops and complete the interior displays. The project’s outcome will encourage tourism in the Braidwood community, making a significant heritage attraction, leveraging the stories of the community and supporting the region’s recovery.
- $12,500,000 to Tumut Aerodrome Improvements in Tumut NSW. This project will deliver significant upgrades at the non-commercial Tumut Aerodrome. Upgrades to drainage, fencing, runway, lighting and control systems, and the installation of precision path indicators will help facilitate fire-fighting capabilities and permit air-ambulance access to the regional centre, improving the liveability and resilience of this region.”
“These industry projects focus on driving jobs and economic activity to assist bushfire recovery, helping our community emerge stronger from the tough times we’ve faced over the last year,” Senator Molan said.
“It’s great to see these projects moving, as one part of more than $500 million from the Australian and NSW governments for tangible, on the ground projects in fire affected regions.”
Australian Minister for Emergency Management, David Littleproud said getting these industries back on their feet will be a vital economic driver in fire affected regions.
“Getting local industries back on their feet is a crucial part of bushfire recovery,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Funding for projects in NSW’s forestry, oyster, apiary, apple, horticulture and wine making industries will ensure the continued viability and growth of these local employers.
“This funding will help these businesses keep employing locals, keep spending locally and allow them to play an important role in community recovery after the fires.”
Overall, the Australian and NSW governments are investing more than $500 million to support bushfire projects that drive local economic, community and industry recovery. This joint funding is being delivered in two ways:
- Fast-tracked community and industry recovery projects, including these 49 projects, are being identified by the NSW Government following local and industry consultation.
- Applications are open from 27 October for project funding under the $250 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. Communities are encouraged to apply for grants of between $200,000 and $20 million. Grants are open to organisations such as councils, joint organisations, business chambers, charities, businesses and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver successful projects. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/blerfund.
For details of local economic recovery projects approved across New South Wales see minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/ministers-for-home-affairs/the-hon-david-littleproud-mp/home