$24 million to boost the bushfire clean up

The NSW Government is investing almost $24 million to help deal with waste and damage in the ongoing clean up from the 2019-20 bushfires. 
 
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the funding is part of the NSW Government’s $4.5 billion bushfire recovery investment, which is continuing to help local communities with the clean up, temporary accommodation and industry support. 
 
“So many of our regional communities were ravaged by the Black Summer bushfires, and continue to require support to deal with their ongoing waste problems,” Mr Toole said. 
 
“About $24 million is going to 15 regional councils, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands to help them repair and future-proof landfills, as well as remove and deter illegal dumping of waste at more than 100 sites.
 
“These grants will create regional jobs, while providing a much-needed boost for our regional areas - many of which are still rebuilding after the bushfires.” 
 
Minister for Environment Matt Kean said the hard-hit south coast councils of Eurobodalla and Bega Valley are receiving a combined $13.8 million for landfill improvements.
 
“All these projects will help improve community resilience for future disasters by supporting essential services in areas still recovering from the devastating bushfires,” Mr Kean said. 
 
“We’ve been working with our regional communities and public land managers to make sure these programs address the real challenges they’re facing on the ground, while introducing measures to reduce future illegal dumping.”
 
Successful grant recipients for the $22 million Bushfire Recovery Program for Council Landfills include, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Bega Valley Council, Wagga Wagga City Council, Clarence Valley Council, Snowy Valleys Council and Blue Mountains City Council. 
 
National Parks and Wildlife Service, Crown Lands and a number of councils are also receiving their share of $1.69 million through the Bushfire Dumping Program. 
 
The NSW Government is committed to ensuring councils are not financially disadvantaged by accepting bushfire-generated waste at their landfills.
 
More information: epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/bushfire-recovery-programs