The Morrison Government is investing more than $2 billion to help bushfire affected regions recover from the recent Black Summer Bushfires.
Following the devastating Black Summer Bushfires, the Coalition Government pledged to stand with bush-fire affected communities as they rebuild and recover. The Government established the National Bushfire Recovery Agency to act as an organisation to coordinate its response to rebuilding communities and livelihoods.
Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan said, “the National Bushfire Recovery Agency set up by the Morrison Government was a great step towards rebuilding local communities”.
“In my capacity as a Senator for New South Wales, I look after electorates such as Eden-Monaro and Gilmore. Both were particularly hard hit by the Black Summer Bushfires. The Morrison Government made a commitment to the people of these regions, and we are delivering on that commitment.”
The Federal Government has so far allocated over $2 billion to facilitate the recovery of affected communities. These funds have gone towards debris clean-up, rebuild of infrastructure, disaster support payments, as well as a wide range of other initiatives.
Senator Molan said “this investment by the Coalition Government has been about backing the Australian people and supporting them as they rebuild and recover from the bushfires. The funding and support that continues to be provided is evidence of this government’s commitment to supporting bushfire-affected communities. “
Some of these investments include:
- $546 million for disaster support payments;
- $445 million for debris clean up;
- $62 million in local government grants to speed up recovery;
- $135 million in mental health and charity support;
- $448 million for local economic recovery projects;
- $53 million for wildlife rescue and recovery;
- $234 million in grants for small business;
- $141 million in Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants Program;
- $76 million for bushfire recovery in the tourism sector;
- $35.3 million for back-to-school support; and
- $25.9 million in assistance for families in bushfire-affected areas.
The Morrison Government has also taken steps to ensure Australia is better prepared for the coming season.
- Allocated $11 million extra for annual aerial firefighting capacity ($26m total);
- Committed an additional $88m over the next decade to ensure an enduring research capability;
- Boosted telco capability with an extra $45 million;
- Committed $149 million for native wildlife and habitats;
- Planned meticulously with states, territories and across the Australian Government for this summer;
- Streamlined Defence force assistance arrangements and boosted their planning and coordination capability within states; and
- Placed nearly 1500 staff from Services Australia on standby to assist when needed through their network of over 300 service centres, mobile service centres and network of agents.
Emergency Management Australia and the National Bushfire Recovery Agency are working collaboratively to improve coordination efforts and recently led a disaster recovery tabletop exercise with other Commonwealth agencies.