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Bushfire Funding To Boost Local CommunitiesAdditional funding allocated to bushfire-affected communities in Gippsland is a positive step forward for those still coming to terms with the devastating fires earlier this year, Member for Morwell Russell Northe said today. By Russell Northe - 21st October 2009 - Back to News The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition welcomed the announcement of a $193 million Rebuilding Together Plan consisting of funding from government, the Bushfire Appeal Fund, corporate and philanthropic donors but urged the government to ensure that payments were made in a timely fashion.
"These funds will contribute to the cost of building a range of important community facilities as well as valuable tourism projects in bushfire-affected parts of Gippsland," Mr Northe said.
"Facilities such as the CATS Cricket Club kitchen which had been catering for community dinners every Friday night have received funding support, enabling survivors the opportunity to comfort and support each other as they come to terms with enormity of their situation."
Mr Northe said small businesses had suffered tremendously and tourism had dropped off as a result of the bushfires, and the Rebuilding Together Plan would benefit many smaller fire-affected communities.
Projects forming part of the $193 million Rebuilding Together Plan include:
• $2 million to repair and replace recreation assets along the Grand Ridge Rail Trail
• Maintenance and redevelopment of the Boolarra Memorial Hall Kitchen
• Upgrading the Jeeralang North Hall
• Funding to the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority for fire-affected waterways including Traralgon, Waterhole, Flynn, Merrimans and Bruthen Creeks and the Tarra River.
• $3 million for the construction of the multipurpose Callignee Community Centre
• Replanting at Koornalla Apex Park
• Upgrading and extending the Traralgon South Hall
• Upgrading the CATS Cricket Club kitchen
• Redeveloping the Le Roy Park Reserve
"Residents and businesses in fire devastated parts of the state will take generations to recover," Mr Northe said.
"Many communities have struggled emotionally and financially in the aftermath of the bushfires, and as such, additional support from government and charity groups would be money well spent.
"These communities have experienced the worst horror imaginable.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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