Bushfire impacted communities across Gippsland will receive a $30 million boost from the Federal Government to support recovery and resilience activities.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has been outspoken for increased funding under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program and today secured a major boost.
The largest project will secure an upgrade of Bairnsdale Aerodrome to make it better equipped for future natural disasters.
“I have been very vocal about the need for more investment in East Gippsland following the devastating Black Summer bushfires and today’s announcement is a good result,” Mr Chester said.
“Our region was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires and this funding will support community groups as they re-establish activities and improve essential infrastructure.
“Bairnsdale Aerodrome will undergo a $9.9 million runway redevelopment by East Gippsland Shire Council to improve useability and accessibility, and create a hub during bushfires and natural disasters.
“This will enable larger aircraft to use the airport such as firefighting aircraft and Air Ambulance Victoria to utilise the site when needed.”
Mr Chester said the project was one of over 40 projects funded for the region with major investments throughout East Gippsland.
“I am pleased that the Minister responsible, Bridget McKenzie, has listened to the concerns of our community and funded a wide range of projects,” he said.
“These projects will see essential infrastructure and community groups recover and help improve resilience for future fire events and natural disasters.”
Full list of projects include:
* Bairnsdale Airport Runway Upgrade $9,962,715
* Construction of the Gippsland Agricultural Recovery and Resilience Centre $984,650
* Mallacoota Bowling Club Community Hub $85,000
* Mallacoota Emergency Services Facility $2,570,000
* Omeo Golf Club Upgrade Project $128,780
* Mallacoota Mudbrick Pavilion Upgrade $493,628
* Twin Rivers Community Hub / Men’s Shed Association Building Project $150,000
* Raymond Island Community Hall Extension $146,800
* Mallacoota & District Tool Library Project $124,899
* Cann River- Mick Baum Park Skate Park Redevelopment $561,000
* Swifts Creek Community Hall Upgrade $878,040
* East Gippsland Timber Milling Project $520,560
* Operation Phoenix – The rebuild of the Mallacoota Gun Club – Stage 2 $276,277
* Mount Taylor Mountain Bike Park Skills Park and Facilities Improvements $360,030
* Omeo Recreation Reserve Netball & Tennis Court Upgrade $659,000
* Bemm River Footpath Development $1,027,253
* Orbost Tennis Club/Community Hub $324,266
* Swifts Creek Bush Nurse Centre Recovery $158,126
* Emergency Telecommunications Installation in Remote Tamboon $209,195
* Creating a vibrant community hub – upgrading Lake Tyers Beach Hall. $400,000
* Club Terrace Community Facility Project $751,250
* Miva Miva accessible cottages for the frail impacted by the bushfires $2,150,000
* The Buchan Caves Hotel Emergency Generator $73,888
* Emergency Telecommunications Installation in Remote Bundara Valley $202,056
* East Gippsland Hub for Learners $420,500
* Outward Bound Snowy River Base Camp and ‘Recalibrate’ Program Development $443,375
* Internally Displaced People: 2019-20 Bushfires, an iterative analysis $671,872
* Claim the Past – Recover the Future $1,051,951
* Embedding resilience in community fire response $299,524
* East Gippsland Community Bus Project $89,236
* After the fires: Supporting communities to recover and build resilience $570,864
* Connection breeds resilience – farmers breakfast and workshops $32,000
* Pottery/Sculpture Open Art Studio Space $43,091
* Safe, Healthy and Resilient Communities – Emergency Preparedness $448,912
* Development of a Community Bushfire Defence and Response Facility $91,283
* Community-led recovery & resilience through music in Far East Gippsland $456,480
* Music Changes Lives for the Better: Building Community Sense of Belonging $318,546
