SENATOR THE HON LINDA REYNOLDS CSC
MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND NORTH QUEENSLAND RECOVERY
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA
THE HON CORALEE O'ROURKE MP
MINISTER FOR COMMUNITIES
MINISTER FOR DISABILITY SERVICES AND SENIORS
Non-government organisations, community groups and local governments can now apply for a share of $6 million to help with the long-term recovery of bushfire-affected communities across Central Queensland.
Funding is available under the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through Category C Community Recovery Funds.
Minister for Emergency Management and North Queensland Recovery Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the flexible funding grants would bring to life community-led recovery and resilience programs and projects.
"These grants will deliver projects that drive longer-term recovery efforts, build awareness and improve resilience in communities that were impacted by the bushfires late last year," Minister Reynolds said.
"This type of locally-led, long-term support can make a real difference for communities when recovering from such a challenging disaster."
Queensland Minister for Communities Coralee O'Rourke said the Commonwealth and Queensland governments are working closely to ensure affected communities get the support they need to recover.
"Grants of $2,500 up to $100,000 are available in Banana, Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Isaac, Livingstone, Mackay and Rockhampton local government areas," Minister O'Rourke said.
"This will provide vital assistance to those who have faced significant hardship and disruptions following the devastating bushfires – which were the worst we'd ever seen in Queensland.
"The grants can be used for initiatives such as community events or arts, sporting and cultural projects, commemorative public memorials, workshops and information sessions for future bushfire preparedness."
The first round of the Flexible Funding Grants, totalling up to $1.8 million are now open and will close at 2pm on Monday 29 April 2019.
The second round of the Flexible Funding Grant, offering the remaining $4.2 million, is expected to open on 1 October 2019.
Applications for the flexible funding grants can be made via https://communities.smartygrants.com.au/
Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au
