Joint Federal and NSW Government disaster funding is being rolled out to Upper Lachlan Shire Council under Stream 1 of the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF), which helps councils promote community well-being, social and future disaster resilience.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said that council would receive a $100,000 payment under BCRRF Stream 1.

“This funding will allow the Upper Lachlan to improve communications across the Shire by enhancing existing transmission towers and to manage a local community grants program to facilitate bushfire recovery and resilience activities,” Mr Taylor said.

State Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the focus on a locally-led recovery is what will ensure the fire-affected community has improved capacity and capability to respond to future disasters.

“We are committed to supporting communities on the long road to recovery. We understand that locals know what they need best, so that’s why we are empowering local communities to make best use of this funding,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

Upper Lachlan Mayor John Stafford has also welcomed the additional bushfire recovery funding.

“Affordable access to fast download speeds and unlimited data is still part of the digital divide, and we’ve all become keenly aware of the need for digital connectivity this year,” he said.

“Through better digital access, this funding will assist the provision of bushfire resilience and will improve liveability and the ability to conduct business in areas like Taralga.”

Mr Taylor said the closing date for community applications for Stream 2 of the BCRRF would be extended to provide adequate time for applications to be submitted.

Applications for Stream 2 of the BCRRF program will now be accepted until 12pm on 11 December 2020 and can be submitted at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au.