Bushfire recovery in Maranoa will get a $462,000 boost, as part of $10.7 million in bushfire recovery projects announced today by the Australian and Queensland governments.
Minister for Emergency Management and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the fourth and final round of Local Economic Recovery projects was announced today by the Australian and Queensland Governments, under a joint investment of $36.8 million to support recovery in Queensland communities hit hard by the 2019-20 bushfires.
The 21 projects funded across Queensland include two exciting projects in the Toowoomba region.
“In our area, $240,000 will go to the Toowoomba Regional Council for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Recreational Infrastructure Upgrade,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This project will undertake infrastructure improvements along the Yarraman to Nukku section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, boosting tourism and local recreation opportunities.
“Additionally, $222,000 will be invested to engage a engage a Community Development and Resilience Officer in the Toowoomba region to provide social support and community development services for recovery of rural communities impacted by the 2019 bushfires.
“This boost to our local area is great to see, and I can’t wait to see the work moving and the benefits flowing.”
Today’s announcement builds on four Local Economic Recovery projects in Maranoa supported through earlier funding rounds. This includes $1.9 million to replace a 3km stretch of wooden poles, susceptible to fire, between Perseverance and Cressbrook Dams, and $106,000 for the Crows Nest Mountain Bike Mecca and Escarpment Escape Project.
A total of 48 projects across 13 local council areas in Queensland have been approved to date under the LER Program.
“The devastating effects of the fires have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, so I am pleased this LER funding is rolling out to help communities, local economies and natural areas recover,” Minister Littleproud said.
“It is inspiring to see the resilience of our Queensland communities as they drive their own recovery, and I’m pleased to see this government funding support those efforts with a wide range of priority projects.”
For more information on the Local Economic Recovery program in Queensland visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/LER
For information on Local Economic Recovery projects funded in Queensland – and across Australia – visit www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/local-recovery-projects
