Yorke Peninsula Council is set to receive $200,000 from a $17 million fund from the National Bushfire Recovery Agency.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the funding would assist the council in its task of restoring infrastructure either damaged or destroyed in the fire on November 20 and help with the recovery.
“People in the affected community know what matters most to them – it’s only fair they should decide how the money is spent,” he said.
“These fires had a significant impact on Yorketown, Edithburgh and Price communities, destroying 11 homes and more than $1.7 million worth of crop and livestock.
“While bushfires on the Yorke Peninsula are not on the scale of those experienced on Kangaroo Island or Eastern States, people have lost homes, fences, equipment and support has already been made available to individuals.
“Now we are stepping in to help affected councils with the rebuilding and recovery task.”
Mr Ramsey said The National Bushfire Recovery Agency made an independent decision of where the money should be allocated.
“The agency looked at a range of factors including population, disaster recovery payments already received, the area burnt and socio-economic factors of the council area,” he said.
The 60 councils where Category C assistance was activated as of 24 January 2020 were eligible for the funding.
All councils have been informed of their funding which will range from $200,000 to $416,667.
LGAs can use the funding for rebuilding council infrastructure such roads, bridges, and community facilities; refencing and hosting activities that bring communities together.
ENDS
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
February 14, 2020
