A total of 136 projects across large parts of the State will repair or build back essential public and community assets to a more resilient standard, through two jointly funded programs under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
With more than $260 million awarded to local councils and NSW Government agencies, the funding will be delivered through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund and Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Community Assets Program.
The Infrastructure Betterment Fund is focused on building back essential public assets, such as roads, bridges and drainage impacted by the storm and flood events in 2021 and 2022, as well as the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires. Funding will mean assets are repaired to a more resilient standard that can better withstand future natural disasters, while also delivering associated economic, social and productivity benefits.
The Community Assets Program is repairing and building back community assets, including parks, walkways, community buildings, and tourism and recreational facilities, impacted by the storm and flood events in February and June 2022.
The Program’s key focus is on incorporating betterment principles into projects to make sure they are more resilient, while also focusing on accessibility and inclusion benefits of rebuilt assets.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the funding will help local councils and NSW Government agencies to improve the resilience of essential assets damaged by natural disasters.
“This significant investment by the Albanese and Minns Governments supports the massive reconstruction program that’s needed following three years of natural disasters across NSW,” Minister Watt said.
“By rebuilding our schools, roads and drainage systems back to a higher standard, we are better prepared for future disasters, and can keep communities connected, reduce the amount of hardship they experience, as well as avoid future reconstruction costs during and after a disaster event.
“Our partnership to also repair playgrounds, walkways and community facilities will enable councils to work towards greater disaster resilience and contribute to stronger community wellbeing.
“This is another example of both levels of government working together to change the way we spend recovery funding after disasters across NSW so communities are less exposed in the future, as disasters become increasingly frequent and intense.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said by providing this assistance the NSW Government is helping disaster impacted communities work towards greater flood resilience and reclaiming their unique individual identities.
“High quality essential assets and community infrastructure are what drive local economies,” Ms Moriarty said.
“For example, we’re investing $10 million to combine, relocate and improve two of Tweed Shire council’s works depots to a single site outside of the high-risk flood zone. It’s projects like this that will allow services to stay open and operating so they can keep supporting their communities during future natural disasters.
“By rebuilding these facilities, we are ensuring communities have the amenities they need to entice visitors, encourage local businesses and residents to thrive and will allow services to keep supporting their communities during future natural disasters.”
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the projects align with the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s disaster mitigation and adaption work.
“Long term objectives have been set by the NSW Government to see our state better adapt to disaster and reconstructing these key assets in line with this vision is a step in the right direction,” Mr Scully said.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said while natural disasters can’t be avoided, building resilience is one of most important ways of preparing communities and helping them recover quicker.
“The focus on betterment means we have an opportunity to build back better and stronger after vital infrastructure has been damaged in natural disasters.”
“Whether it’s roads or buildings, we can take learnings from natural disasters and better prepare infrastructure and community assets for future challenges.”
For more information, including the full lists of successful projects, visit the Infrastructure Betterment Fund website and the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Community Assets Programs website.
