The Central Coast is set to benefit from a share of over half a billion dollars in disaster funding to help with rebuilding works following recent floods and bushfires.
Public infrastructure directly impacted by natural disasters will be rebuilt to a more resilient standard, thanks to a joint investment of more than $500M from the Federal and NSW governments.
Applications for two programs are now open for Councils in regions impacted by floods and fires, including the Coast.
A total of $200M will be made available for public assets directly impacted by the 2019-20 Black Summer bush fires, the storm and flood events in early 2021 and the severe weather and flooding in early 2022.
The Infrastructure Betterment Fund will focus on rebuilding damaged and destroyed infrastructure, such as bridges and stormwater drainage, in a more resilient way.
Another $312.5M will target road and transport-related infrastructure in 26 northern NSW councils, including Central Coast Council, impacted by the early 2022 flooding through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.
Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, said the funding will help prepare the Central Coast for future disasters.
“Heavy rain and flooding, like we saw in July this year, can have a significant impact on local roads and infrastructure which puts drivers and residents at risk,” McBride said.
“After this year’s floods, our road network has even more potholes and hazards than before which needs to be addressed.
“Investing in better roads will help keep our community safe and improve access to local services when natural disasters occur.”
Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, said the funding would help the region “build back better” after recent events and be better prepared for the future.
“I’m encouraging Central Coast Council to apply for funding under these programs so we can rebuild after the floods,” he said.
The total $512.5M has been made available through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will be administered by both Regional NSW and Transport for NSW.
For more details go to www.nsw.gov.au/betterment.
Source:
Media release, Oct 10
Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, and Member for Dobell, Emma McBride