The Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains will benefit from a share of $200 million in disaster funding, to rebuild public infrastructure so it can better withstand future disasters.

Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP said the $200 million Infrastructure Betterment Fund will help Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains Councils to repair public assets directly impacted by the 2019-20 Black Summer bush fires, the storm and flood events in early 2021, and the severe weather and flooding in early 2022.

The joint funding from the Commonwealth and State governments, rebuild damaged and destroyed infrastructure, such as bridges and stormwater drainage, in a more resilient way. Ms Templeman said the funding would mean the region could be better prepared both during
and after future disasters.

“We know all too well that when evacuation routes are cut because infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, that can be a danger to the community.

“By investing in public infrastructure that will stand up to severe weather events, we can ensure people are kept safe during disasters, and we also aren’t left rebuilding every time the region is hit.

“This is the next step in the process to get these projects underway, and I’d encourage Councils to apply.”

Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill said “I want to thank Susan for her ongoing advocacy in support of our communities.

“We must build back better.

“Simply repairing infrastructure to a prior standard that does not contemplate changes in climate is not real recovery."

The funding has been made available through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

To apply, or for further information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/betterment.