BACKFLIP ON HAWKESBURY RECOVERY FUNDING WELCOMED

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman has welcomed a Government backflip over bushfire recovery funding for businesses in the Hawkesbury.

It was announced earlier this week that $10,000 grants would be made available to businesses from eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) that lost at least 40 per cent of their revenue in the wake of the fires.

But while Blue Mountains businesses were able to access the grants, the Hawkesbury was left off the announced list.

“I was appalled the government would announce that businesses from only half our community would be able to access funding to help keep their employees on the books,” Ms Templeman said.

“I raised the issue with the Federal Minister’s office, who advised me that it was a NSW Government decision. I then took it to 2GB radio’s Alan Jones, because he has been really supportive of my push for a better deal for small businesses here, and has promoted the region on his show daily since I spoke to him a week ago.

“As a result of his inquiries, and this combined effort, the Hawkesbury has now been added to the list of eligible council areas.

“Although the Service NSW website is yet to be updated, I have been informed Hawkesbury businesses should be able to apply for support from next week.

“To be eligible for the grant you have to show that your business has experienced a 40 per cent decline in revenue due to the recent bushfires, and many businesses who missed out on the previous grants should qualify,” she said.

Small businesses that received assistance under other grants or initiatives may als