The ideas and vision coming from bushfire-impacted communities across Eden-Monaro are inspiring and I am delighted to see Government investment flowing.

This week’s funding announcements around local economic recovery by Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud are welcome and come at a critical time.

Twenty-six industry packages were announced totaling $56 million; it’s the start of what needs to be ongoing, sustained support for local jobs and businesses that have been rocked by drought, fires, floods and the pandemic.

Communities have been holding their breath for this news and have shown such power in their collective support for each other. This funding will lift spirits as we approach the first anniversary of our Black Summer and importantly give people a positive focus headed into 2021.

Some of the projects approved for funding include:

• $3,509,000 to Apple Thief Batlow Cider House development in Batlow.
• $3,952,571 to Snowy Valleys Itinerant Worker Accommodation in Batlow.
• $1,050,000 for the expansion of Wood Pellet Production Line in Eden.
• $10,000,000 to upgrade and modernise the Tumut Timber Mill.
• $300,000 to Broadwater Oysters to develop a 'Flip-Farm' and double production.
• $170,404 to Wonboyn Resilience Project to support oyster farmers adapt farming methods in response to changing environmental conditions.
• $240,000 to support Tumbarumba Vignerons Association.

I’ve been really proud to advocate for and advance the interests of these industries and communities with Minister Littleproud, and he has answered the call and I believe appreciates that this is just the start.

Some businesses have missed out in this round and some are scratching their heads after being told they weren’t eligible.

My focus now shifts to supporting those businesses and industries with future grant rounds – we need to ensure more money flows quickly and seamlessly to the people who need it.

In the midst of COVID-19, we need to make sure our bushfire impacted communities aren’t forgotten.