NSW Government's bushfire support hits $2.3 billion as 2500th property cleared

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro today travelled to Bemboka on the NSW South Coast, met with the Member for Bega Andrew Constance and inspected the 2500th property cleared by managing contractor Laing O’Rourke.

“We set an ambitious target to clean-up the vast majority of properties destroyed or damaged by bushfire by 30 June this year and I am pleased to say that despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, we are making significant progress and are not slowing down,” Mr Barilaro said. 

“Today’s announcement marks another milestone as we hit $2.3 billion in bushfire recovery funding from the NSW Government, distributed through grants, temporary accommodation, clean-up and industry support.

“It is fantastic to be here in Bemboka today with Colleen, having cleared her property, she is now one step closer to recovery.

“The 2500 destroyed properties which are now cleared all belong to a person, a family or a business owner, who can now get on with the next stage of their lives, and I am determined to make sure no one is left behind.”

Paul Barrie, Laing O’Rourke’s Project Director for the NSW Bushfire Clean-up said more than 120 teams are at work across the state, with more than 1,000 jobs created for contractors and businesses to clear destroyed buildings within their own communities. 

“We are incredibly proud to be engaging local subbies and playing our part in the state’s recovery efforts, and our full attention now turns back to helping the remaining homes and businesses clear their properties and take their first steps towards rebuilding.”

Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the clean-up is co-funded by the Federal and NSW Governments and is part of the $2.3 billion being spent by the NSW Coalition Government in helping bushfire impacted communities get back on their feet. 

“We know that every dollar counts for the families, communities and businesses who have been impacted by bushfires and we are committed to providing support in every way we can,” Mr Constance said.

“The funding provided has been used to rebuild vital assets, keep businesses going, protect jobs and support families and communities most in need.”  

The NSW Government’s bushfire recovery $2.3 billion in funding;

The $1.2 billion share of the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements include the following initiatives:

• Clean-up and ensuring the safety of properties destroyed or damaged by the bushfires
• Grants for small businesses, both directly and indirectly affected
• Grants for primary producers
• Provision of case management support for bushfire affected individuals and families
• Financial support for local councils to clean-up and repair roads and bridges; employ community recovery staff; dispose of bushfire debris; and to support volunteer basecamps such as BlazeAid.
• Grants to support the recovery of local communities and industries

$1 billion Infrastructure package, including the following initiatives:

• The clean-up and repair of roads, bridges, schools and other state assets.
• $209m Crown Land fencing program.
• $46m support for the forestry industry.
• $217m Critical Communications Enhancement program.

Property owners are still able to register for clean-up after 30 June and are encouraged to register to have their property cleared for free by contacting Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visiting the Service NSW website