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Local Economic Recovery

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Supporting locally led recovery projects in communities impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires

The Local Economic Recovery funding supports locals to lead recovery in their area. With the National Emergency Management Agency's state and local partners, the Agency can make sure support goes to where it’s needed.

By partnering with state governments to co-fund projects, the National Emergency Management Agency can maximise funding available to affected communities.

The Agency understands that it takes time for communities to move forward after a disaster. The most effective approach to long-term social and economic recovery is to:

  • listen to the advice of the local communities who know what is best for their recovery

  • support local recovery priorities.

A collaborative, well-coordinated, and flexible approach to recovery is key.

Projects funded

To view projects funded in each state through this program you can use the National Emergency Management Agency's interactive map

NSW

Joint Local Economic Recovery funding from the Australian and New South Wales governments will support projects that drive local economic, community and industry recovery in parts of New South Wales hit hard by the 2019-20 bushfires. This joint funding is being delivered in two ways:

  • Known priority community and industry recovery projects have been identified by the NSW Government and agreed to by the Australian Government, following local and industry consultation. This includes the 72 projects announced in November 2020.

  • Funding through the Stage 2 Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund has been committed to 195 local community projects supporting economic or social recovery, strengthening resilience and delivering ongoing community benefit.

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/blerfund.

Queensland

Joint funding of $36.8 million from the Australian and Queensland governments was announced in August 2020 to support 13 of the most heavily impacted local government areas. The joint funding for 48 projects will support local and regional recovery, with funding allocated based on community needs. For more information, visit the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.

South Australia

In South Australia, the state government is working through a range of proposed Local Economic Recovery projects, following consultation with local councils, recovery committees, communities and other stakeholders in bushfire-affected areas. For more information, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regions website.

Victoria

In Victoria, the Local Economic Recovery has two streams, with 40 per cent of the funding dedicated to the local community stream and 60 per cent to the regional economic stream. 

To find out more about the Local Economic Recovery grants program, visit www.brv.vic.gov.au.

The regional economic stream is made up of a Regional Economic Programs Fund and a single round of Regional Economic Stimulus and Resistance Grants.

Key dates

  • On 11 May 2020, the Australian Government announced $448.5 million, including $350 million for Local Economic Recovery and $98 million for Complementary Projects funding.

  • On 24 April 2021, the Australian Government announced that the $98.5 million for Complementary Projects would be redirected to the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program