Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, has welcomed funding for two Bilpin orchardists who lost millions of dollars’ worth of produce and infrastructure during the summer bushfires.

Bilpin Fruit Bowl and TNT Produce have been announced as receiving funding through the Commonwealth/State Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund for “pick your own fruit” projects.

“I have spoken to both of these businesses and they are really excited about this funding,” Ms Templeman said.

“Both of these businesses and other orchards received no government compensation for produce that was destroyed when the bushfires swept through in December 2019.

“The losses don’t stop with one year’s crop - it takes about five years to re-establish an apple orchard, so they are still looking at years to recoup that income.

“For one of the businesses, the new grant - which they have to match - will help them diversify to offset that. Bilpin Fruit Bowl is earmarked to receive $1.23 million to clean-up, replace and upgrade existing fire damaged infrastructure, and develop a new 8,000 square metre energy efficient hot house that will allow for undercover “pick your own” strawberries.

“By diversifying into berries, the business can extend its picking season and provide more economic certainty for the local region, hopefully extending the tourist visits beyond the traditional apple season.

“TNT Produce has been announced to receive more than $1.1 million to build a 500 square-metre Colorbond shed to facilitate entry to the orchard for “pick your own” fruit, and to purchase additional equipment to assist with the expected increase in the crop coming from the rebuilding of the orchard.

“These businesses are understandably pleased to see something that gives them hope about what their future sustainability looks like.