Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman is encouraging Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury residents to come up with innovative projects that help communities recover from bushfire under a new grants program.

Regions that were disaster declared as the result of the 2019/20 bushfires are eligible to share in $280 million under the new Black Summer Bushfire Recovery (BSBR) grants program, and guidelines have now been released.

“Both the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been allocated $4.5 million, so it’s a great opportunity for people to get funding for projects that help our community,” Ms Templeman said.

“This is funding that my Federal colleagues and I in bushfire affected areas have fought long and hard for, and I welcome the recognition that there’s a long way to go before we can consider that we’ve recovered.

“Grants can range from $20,0000 up to $10 million, and the guidelines are out now, ahead of applications opening later this month, to give people time to think about what will benefit the area they live in.

“Some of the groups who missed out on the just-announced Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLERF) Program may also be eligible to resubmit their applications.

“A broad range of recovery and resilience projects that can be supported through the grants, from social and community wellbeing projects right through to projects that support the recovery of local economies and built environments.”

The program is not available for individuals, partnerships or trusts. To be eligible, you must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following:

• A community organisation, local business or incorporated associ