A $448.5 million Regional Bushfire Recovery and Development Program will provide Wingecarribee with the additional funding and expertise to revive its economy following the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the program is being funded as part of a broader $650 million package for impacted communities announced by the Morrison Government today. The package is included under the Australian Government’s $2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund.

“During the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season the economic impact to the agriculture, tourism and forestry industries in Wingecarribee was estimated to be $44 million,” Mr Taylor said.

Mr Taylor said the support from this latest funding boost would back local projects and recovery plans, as well as initiatives that benefit the Southern Highlands community.

“Strong economic recovery in regions that were affected by the bushfires will enable families and businesses to get back on their feet sooner,” Mr Taylor said.

“This program is an opportunity for the Southern Highlands community to share ideas and projects with the National Bushfire Recovery Agency through the state government who will work with Council to roll-out support as quickly as possible.

“It’s important that Wingecarribee have a voice in the recovery process.”

Projects and initiatives will be tailored using local knowledge. They could range from initiatives that promote economic activity and support community wellbeing, to projects that focus on the landscape and water, replacing produce and stock, or building future resilience.

 “The community will work with the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and state and local partners to provide input on priority projects as soon as possible.”

The $650 million package also includes: