Residents affected by the unprecedented bushfires in the Discovery Coast area last year will benefit from funding for long-term community development as they continue to recover.

Funding for the Community Development Program falls under the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through Category C Community Recovery Funds (CRF).

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the bushfires in November and December last year had a devastating impact on many communities.

“Gladstone Regional Council, Livingstone Shire Council and Mackay Regional Council will share in more than $1 million over the next two years to deliver the Community Development Program in bushfire-impacted communities,” Mr Bennett said

“Those who were affected by the fire’s around Deepwater and Baffle Creek will be beneficiaries through the Gladstone Council.

“Under the funding, GRC will be providing services for the Gladstone, Banana and Bundaberg local government areas also.

“The council will be delivering community development and engagement activities to assist with rebuilding community cohesion, developing local plans, implementing stakeholder engagement and employment of community development officers.

“The impact of these bushfires was significant and our communities need long-term support to recover.”

For more information visit https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/recovery-after-disaster.

18.03.19