Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, this package will support social and economic recovery in regional communities most affected by the 2019-2020 recent bushfires. The NSW Government has already provided more than $2.3 billion for a temporary accommodation program, property clean-up and mental health services in regional communities impacted by bushfire. This Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund will provide $250 million of further funding to support the social and economic recovery of communities affected by bushfire in 47 regional NSW Local Government Areas. It will support projects that retain and create new jobs in regional areas, build resilience and increase preparedness for future bushfire seasons. Funding is available in the following three categories:

• Infrastructure projects, such as roads to support increased industrial development
• Environmental projects, such as regeneration activities
• Programs including social, business and environmental education initiatives.

More information is available in the guidelines.