The NSW Government has sped up delivery of more than $64 million new funding to councils in western NSW to repair roads and transport infrastructure damaged during natural disasters.
This funding boost comes as Cabonne, Weddin, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes and Lithgow, local government areas were among the first in the state to sign a pioneering pilot funding agreement with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW, streamlining the distribution of disaster recovery funds.
Previously, councils faced significant financial strain as they had to finance infrastructure repairs upfront and wait for reimbursement from other levels of government.
Now, through the newly established Tripartite Agreements, councils can access advance funding, from the NSW and Australian Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), at the onset of each reconstruction phase.
The Tripartite Agreements mean less financial pressure on councils, faster road repairs for communities and enhance collaboration between government agencies.
Funding under this initiative includes:
• Cabonne Council: $10.86 million
• Weddin Shire Council: $4.59 million
• Forbes Shire Council: $3.43 million
• Lachlan Shire Council: $9.05 million
• Parkes Shire Council: $2.51 million
• Lithgow City Council: $33.75 million
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said: “The Tripartite Agreements are a great example of government working with communities to develop new solutions that improve disaster response.
“We are committed to building on the success of these agreements and rolling out more support to help communities rebuild faster after disasters.”