Bushfire affected areas of the Central Coast will be aided in their recovery with an immediate payment of $100,000 from the State Government to Central Coast Council.
This is in addition to the $1M paid to council recently by the Federal Government through the National Bushfire Recovery Agency.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said Mangrove Mountain and surrounding areas were impacted by the Three Mile Fire in December.
“The immediate payment of $100,000 is intended to be quick and flexible in order to kickstart the social and economic recovery of areas like Mangrove Mountain,” Crouch said.
“Council can use this funding straight away to provide recovery support services, local industry recovery events, or neighbourhood and community strengthening activities.
“We know that this is just one step in a long journey to support communities.”
Member of the Legislative Council, Taylor Martin, said small businesses could also apply for a suite of financial assistance packages from the State and Federal Governments.
“The financial support includes grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses directly affected by bushfire, a Bushfire Working Capital Loan of up to $50,000 and low interest loans of up to $500,000 to eligible small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits in bushfire affected council areas,” Martin said.
A spokesperson for Central Coast Council said the announcement of $100,000 in funding was welcome.
“Council is working with government departments and other agencies to determine how (all) the grant funding will be allocated across various projects that will benefit the community,” the spokesperson said.
“Council will advise of next steps to further engage with the community to determine the best use of funding.”
Source:
Media release, Feb 4
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch