Funding for bushfire projects to drive social and economic recovery on Southern Downs

August 14, 2020

The Southern Downs is in line to share in $36.8 million for bushfire recovery projects, Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced today.

Jointly delivered by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the $38.6 million Local Economic Recovery Fund will support a range of projects in 13 local council areas that were most heavily impacted by last year’s bushfire season, including the Southern Downs.

Mr Littleproud said the opening of this fund is the next step for local communities starting to recover from the devastating impacts of the bushfires and building a better future for their area.

“This Fund will enable community-led recovery by funding projects that have been identified by affected communities to support their local recovery needs,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Each area will identify different priorities and I encourage anyone who has recovery ideas to speak to their local council and engage in the process.”

Projects eligible for funding may include new infrastructure or upgrades to existing infrastructure, initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, local recovery support for businesses, local industry recovery, and neighbourhood and community activities that focus on building capacity, community strength and resilience.

Queensland communities affected by the 2019-20 bushfires are encouraged to talk to their council about priorities for recovery, so local needs can be reflected in the projects councils put forward for funding.

For more information on Local Economic Recovery funding, including details on how to apply, please visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/LER

Councils can submit expressions of interest to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority by 7 September 2020.

Eligible local government areas are Bundaberg, Gladstone, Gympie, Ipswich, Livingstone, Lockyer Valley, Mareeba, Noosa, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

Media contact: Emily Bradfield | Emily.bradfield@aph.gov.au | 07 4662 2715