NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker has announced the allocation of A$17.4 million in new grants to local councils to plan for and reduce the damage caused by flooding. This builds on the A$3.5 million allocated in late 2013.
Flooding is estimated to cost the NSW economy approximately A$250 million each year. Ms Parker revealed that 31 local councils will receive funding assistance for 36 projects to plan for flooding and to build and maintain infrastructure to reduce the impact of flooding.
“Councils will also contribute their own funds to the projects – in most cases the NSW Government provides $2 for every $1 provided by councils”, said Ms Parker.
Examples of projects to be funded include:
- $2.7 million to Coonamble Shire Council for stage one of a project to upgrade the Coonamble Levee to better protect the town;
- $1.9 million for Coffs Harbour City Council for the construction of a detention basin at Spagnolos Road in the upper catchment of Coffs Creek to reduce downstream flood flows; and
- $1 million for Bathurst Regional Council for flood mitigation works including works at the pump station at Glimore Street and widening channel works to Queen Charlotte’s Vale Creek and Perthville.
Minister Parker also announced that applications for grants from the 2014/2015 round of the Floodplain Management Program would close on 15 April 2014.
More information about the NSW Floodplain Management Program including links to application forms and guidelines are available on the Office of Environment and Heritage website.