Extra funding for recovery efforts of Blue Mountains following devastating fires

The Commonwealth and NSW Governments have announced an additional $1.8 million to support the recovery efforts of the Blue Mountains community following the devastating fires in October 2013.

Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the additional funding will include grants for programs to support small business and community organisations.

“This joint package will drive the economic and social growth of the Blue Mountains community over the next 18 months and build community preparedness for the future,” Mr Keenan said.

NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher said this additional funding is on top of the $11.4 million the NSW and Commonwealth Governments provided to support the initial clean-up of the Blue Mountains.

“The NSW and Commonwealth Governments are providing the necessary staff support to the Blue Mountains City Council so that they are able to roll out this assistance for the longer term recovery.

“To continue assisting the Blue Mountains into the future, the NSW Ministry for Police and Emergency Services will also continue to Chair the Recovery Committee,” Mr Gallacher said.

Federal Member for Macquarie, Louise Markus said the additional package also included funding for a new tourism campaign to encourage visitors to the Blue Mountains and promote the area as a top tourist destination.

Member for Blue Mountains, Roza Sage, said the Government’s Recovery Centre has provided support services for Blue Mountains residents with more than 1,300 visits.

“It has provided the Blue Mountains with a range of services offered from the Departments of Health and Education, Public Works, Disaster Welfare, Legal Aid, WorkCover and Fair Trading,” Ms Sage said.

“The Government-led outreach programme to Blue Mountains residents has resulted in 6,000 visits to ensure immediate support needs were being met.

“The NSW Government continues to assist the community through the Bushfire Information and Support Centre and the support services that it provides to residents, and part of the new package will include services from BeyondBlue.”

The Bushfire Information and Support Centre remains open at the ex-Legacy Building at 7/5 Raymond Lane, Springwood. It can be contacted on 02 4751 6423.

The Centre continues to provide access to advice and support services and information on the additional grants scheme that is being provided by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

Note: Information on the criteria for available grants will be made available shortly.