An extra $70million is now available to help repair community infrastructure damaged by the floods in February and June last year.
Councils can apply for funding to repair parks, playgrounds, walkways, places of cultural heritage, and other community assets like libraries, pedestrian bridges and community-based preschools under the Community Assets Program
The program, jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will target the Local Government Areas including Central Coast, Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Singleton.
"The floods last year were significant, and nearly a year on, we understand there is still work to be done to fully restore communities to the way they were before," Acting federal minister for emergency management Catherine King said.
"Parks and playgrounds in particular are often important community hubs that bring people together.
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said this funding would help councils restore some of the community infrastructure that remained damaged by flooding in 2022.
"The Community Assets Program is not just building back for now - we're building back better for the future by improving the resilience of these essential assets."
The package, part of more than $3.5 billion committed to support communities affected by floods in 2022, builds on the state government's response to the Independent Flood Inquiry.
Applications for the Community Asset Program will open Friday 20 January 2023. More information will be available at: www.nsw.gov.au/2022CLIRP.
Branxton Town Centre Upgrade
Branxton's Town Centre will receive a major upgrade as a result of the state government's Resources for Regions Fund.
Cessnock City Council has been awarded $626,337 from the fund's ninth round to upgrade the northern side of Branxton from Church Street to Anvil Creek Bridge
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding is thanks to the hard work of miners in the region.
"With a significant reduction in motor vehicle traffic over the years, this project will position the historical Branxton town centre as the place to stop for visitors heading to the Hunter Valley," he said.
The project is one of 355 projects worth $560 million that have been rolled out since the program was established in 2012.
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said this project built on the $31 million rolled out under Round Nine of the Resources for Regions Fund across 21 projects in the Upper Hunter electorate alone.
"These funds will be used to improve pedestrian access by widening the footpath, installing new street furniture and formalising on-road parking, so everyone who visits the local businesses in town has an enjoyable experience," he said.
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