Over $22 million worth of grants for recovery projects in Towong Shire
Towong Shire Council is elated at the news that 26 projects have been successful in receiving grants through the National Recovery and Resilience Agency's Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.
The grants program aims to help communities address priorities and activities for recovery and resilience after the 2019-20 bushfires.
The grants were available in eligible Local Government Areas to assist communities to undertake projects that support ongoing unmet community, social, economic and built environment recovery and resilience needs.
Three projects put forward by Towong Shire Council were successful through the program, including the Cudgewa Avenue of Honour Rejuvenation and Walking Track Upgrades, the Walwa Recreation Reserve Resilience Enhancements Project and the Corryong Skate Park Upgrade.
Cudgewa’s Avenue of Honour is a majestic tree line that runs through the township of Cudgewa. Made up of Elm and Plane trees planted in 1917, it commemorates the district’s World War 1 local heroes. During the bushfires the Avenue of Honour was in the direct line of the fire front and caught on fire, with thirty-seven trees damaged. The funding will contribute to the replacement of the damaged trees and an upgrade to the adjoining walking track, bringing this important historic location back to life.
The Walwa Recreation Reserve was used as a staging area during the 2019/20 bushfires. The upgrades will involve the construction of additional amenities, provision of undercover storage, installation of a generator and the upgrades to the building’s exterior. The project aims to build the community’s resilience by increasing its capacity to support emergency services and the community during future emergency events.
After the 2019/20 bushfires impacted the Upper Murray region, the redevelopment of the Corryong skatepark was identified as a key priority of the Corryong youth working groups and aligns with the recovery priorities of the Corryong Community Recovery Committee. The upgraded facility will provide improved park elements, aiming to encourage recreational participation and social connection, particularly for young people and families across the Upper Murray region.
Towong Shire Council Mayor Andrew Whitehead expressed his delight at the news of the successful grants.
“With over $22 million being injected into 26 projects across Towong Shire, this is a huge step forward in our ongoing recovery journey.”
“I’d like to say a huge congratulations to all of the successful recipients, as well as a huge thank you for the time and effort you have put in to continuing to support our recovery process through these important projects.”
“I’d also like to thank the Federal Government for their ongoing support for our bushfire affected communities.”
“I’m excited to see that three Council projects were successful and can’t wait to share more about these initiatives with the community,” he said.
The full list of recipients is available on the National Recovery and Resilience Agency's website at recovery.gov.au/black-summer-bushfires/grants-program.
