Scenic Rim Regional Council is one of five Queensland council areas heavily impacted by last year’s bushfires that will share in more than $6 million to deliver a range of locally developed projects that will contribute to economic and social recovery, and create local jobs.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the projects were being supported through the $36.8 million Local Economic Recovery (LER) program for Queensland, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“The Queensland bushfires in 2019 had a devastating effect on communities throughout Queensland,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The recovery from these fires was made that much harder by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted all sectors, including tourism and agriculture, as well as small businesses who were already struggling through drought.
“The Commonwealth and Queensland governments remain committed to helping communities recover following natural disasters, and these projects will produce enduring benefits and improve future resilience.”
Queensland Treasurer and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) Cameron Dick said the funds would prove a welcome boost to local communities at a time of significant challenge.
“We know Queensland communities are doing it tough at the moment with the COVID pandemic still wreaking havoc around the world,” Mr Dick said.
“However, because we’ve managed the health response in our state we can progress projects like these that create jobs and infrastructure for Queenslanders.
“The Palaszczuk government is delivering its plan for economic recovery and will continue investing in Queensland’s bushfire-impacted communities to help them recover stronger than before.”
Funding and projects approved under the first round of the LER Program include $67,500 to upgrade facilities in the Boonah Cultural and Community Hub in Scenic Rim Regional Council.
