The establishment of Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) in existing NSW Rural Fire Service Brigade stations in the Blue Mountains is a step closer with the announcement of more than $3.2 million of federal funding to the projects.
The Albanese Government’s Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) allocation will be matched by the NSW Government to provide $6.5 million to fund building works at stations in vulnerable communities to increase the resilience of these buildings, allowing them to act as NPS.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, said that this program is another practical way the federal government is improving disaster preparation and protection.
“Establishment of Neighbourhood Safer Places was a NSW Bush Fire Inquiry recommendation, and while we hope no one will ever have to use them, they can be lifesaving,” Ms Templeman said.
“Preparing and having a bushfire survival plan is essential for every household in the Blue Mountains, but natural disasters are unpredictable, and these Neighbourhood Safer Places are a place of last resort.
“These projects will significantly reduce disaster risk and build long-term resilience in the face of increasing disasters, and are jointly funded with state, territory or local governments.”
Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister said the government is helping prepare and protect communities before disasters hit.
“Since 2022, half of all local government areas have experienced disaster, some of them more than once,” Senator McAllister said.
“We know that our climate is changing, and Australians can expect to experience more intense and more frequent natural disasters, which is why the Albanese Government is acting to prepare and protect communities from natural disasters and their impacts,” she said.
“By working with all levels of government to make significant investments in mitigation projects, we are reducing the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for communities while reducing clean up and recovery costs.”
State Member for the Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said,
“This welcomed announcement further strengthens the ability of the RFS to support Blue Mountains communities and provides potentially lifesaving shelter in the case of a bushfire emergency.”
“Increasing the number of Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) provides our communities with more options for safe evacuation locations when developing their bushfire survival plans.”
“Whilst it can be easy to become complacent or focus on our vulnerability in emergency situations, this program, in highlighting safe places in our communities, helps to empower and prepare Blue Mountains residents for bushfire emergencies.”
The project is part of almost $387 million for 164 projects in Round Two of the Albanese Government’s flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).
