13 November 2023

The Hon Kristy McBain
Member for Eden-Monaro

A Black Summer Bushfire Recovery (BSBR) Grant of $3.08m that was allocated by the Australian Government to improve and increase the recreational cycle park in Tumbarumba has been granted an extension to enable the project to be completed.

The BSBR grants were part of the Australian Government’s response to support bushfire affected communities, addressing priority areas and activities needed for recovery and resilience following the 2019/20 bushfires.

The Mt Tumbarumba project, supported by several community groups including Tumbarumba 2 Kokoda, Landcare, Tumbarumba RFS and Tumbarumba Bendigo Branch, was at risk of not meeting the deadline for acquittal for the Black Summer Bushfire grants in March 2024.

The delayed delivery of this and many other projects has been a result of COVID-19 and the subsequent impact of disrupted supply chains.

Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain worked with the Mt Tumbarumba project team and the Government to find a solution, ensuring that the funds would still be accessible to the Tumbarumba community.

“I have been working closely with Cycle Tumbarumba and the Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt to find a solution to the looming deadline for acquittal of the grant,” Ms McBain said.

“I am pleased that the Albanese Government has delivered this extension, meaning the community will now receive the full benefit of the BSBR grant and I look forward to the new Mountain Bike Trail and Hiking Network being opened.

“This project, once complete, will boost the town as a cycling destination and has enormous economic opportunities for the community.”

The Snowy Valleys Council’s Tooma Hall re-development was allocated $997,446 in Black Summer Bushfire Recovery funding and will also benefit from this extension.