Bushfire Recovery

Targeted support to meet the recovery needs of bushfire impacted communities and industries across NSW.

Bushfire regrowth on burnt trees

Approximately $4.4 billion has been committed to the bushfire response, recovery and preparedness efforts in NSW, including $3 billion from the NSW Government. 

As part of this, the Department of Regional NSW rolled out targeted initiatives and investments to support recovery, generate jobs, and build more resilient communities and industries in the regions most impacted by the devastating 2019/20 bushfires. 

The three key programs delivered in partnership with NSW Reconstruction Authority are: 

  1. The Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Package – more than $500 million co-funded with the Australian government.

    The BLER Fund is supporting 195 local community projects that promote economic or social recovery, strengthen resilience and deliver ongoing community benefit. 
  2. Bushfire Industry Recovery Package (BIRP) - Supply Chain Support Grants – $65.8 million and Sector Development Grants – $72.3 million co-funded with the Australian government under the BLER Fund. 

    The Bushfire Industry Recovery Package (BIRP) was established to provide immediate financial assistance and support to targeted primary industries that were significantly impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires. 
  3. Bushfire Community Resilience and  Recovery Fund – Phase 1 and Phase 2 – more than $7.5 million co-funded with the Australian government, the Bushfire Community Resilience and Recovery Fund targeted Local Government Areas that were disaster-declared during the 2019-20 bushfires with funding for medium and long-term projects to support community recovery and help build resilience and hope for the future. 

The Department of Regional NSW and Public Works also coordinated the Bushfire Clean-up Program; clearing over 3,600 properties. 

More than 600 grants funded 

The interactive map below shows the diverse community, infrastructure and industry projects already being supported by the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Fund, Bushfire Industry Recovery Package and Bushfire Community Resilience and Recovery Fund.

Key Dates

Bushfire Local Economic Fund 

Applications open:  Tuesday 27 October 2020 

Applications closed:  2pm Thursday 28 January 2021 

Bushfire Industry Recovery Package 

Applications open:  Tuesday 19 May 2020 

Applications closed:  5pm Friday 17 July 2020 

Bushfire Community Resilience and Recovery Fund 

Phase 1 –  Applications closed:  30 April 2020 

Phase 2 -  

  • Stream 1 - Applications closed:  Tuesday 27 October 2020
  • Stream 2 - Applications closed:  Friday 11 December 2020

Resources

The following resources and tools are available to support applicants with their submissions. Detailed information about eligibility, funding categories and how to apply can be found in the grant guidelines for each stream.  

Guidelines: 

BLER Program Guidelines (PDF 7.53MB)

Credit for banner image: Robert Walwyn took this photo at Bells Line of Road, Bilpin, after the bushfires. He sold the print for $500 and then donated the money to the Blue Mountains Bushfire Mayoral Relief Fund.

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