Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that more money will be flowing to bushfire affected communities in Eden-Monaro.

Today’s announcement comes after Kristy wrote to the Minister in January on behalf of local community groups who were awaiting answers and frustrated at the significant delay.

More than 40 local projects totaling around $30 million will be funded under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program which aims to support communities to recover from the devastating 2019-20 bushfires.

Kristy said she was glad to see so many worthwhile projects receiving some much-needed support from the Federal Government.

“We are two years on from the Black Summer Bushfires and unfortunately, despite all this time, we’ve still got a long way to go in terms of our recovery,” Kristy said.

“People in our communities have been doing it really tough for a long time now, and this funding will no doubt give some of our communities a really good boost and will allow some fantastic local projects to get off the ground.

“I was fortunate to meet with community groups from Bega to Tumbarumba when they were working on their grant applications, and it was my pleasure to provide my support help get many of these projects over the line.”

Across Eden-Monaro more than $10 million will go to 21 projects in the Bega Valley, more than $5 million will go to 7 projects in the Queanbeyan-Palerang council area, more than $2.8 million will go to 7 projects in the Snowy Monaro and more than $9 million is going to 12 projects in the Snowy Valleys. In addition to these local projects, regional and national organisations will also receive millions of dollars in funding to deliver services in our region.

“Receiving this funding has not been an easy process. Our community groups and not-for-profit organisations have put in an incredible amount of hard work writing comprehensive grants applications. They’ve already putting in hard yards, what we need to see now is the money delivered to each and every project on the ground as soon as possible, with no more delays.

“I’ve already spoken some community groups to congratulate them and the relief and happiness from individuals and groups is heart-warming.

“While all the funded projects are incredibly worthwhile, there are some that will benefit our towns and villages, not just in the immediate future but for many years to come. These include the Cobargo RSL Memorial Hall Redevelopment and Old Bega Hospital Community Cultural Centre, the Mongarlowe Community Hall and Refuge, the Tumbarumba Equine Club facilities upgrade and the Mount Tumbarumba Recreation Parl Trail development, among many others.”

For a full list of funded projects across the country, visit https://recovery.gov.au/black-summer-grants