The bushland surrounding Wardell, which has very high cultural values to the local Aboriginal community, and is home to a nationally significant koala population, was devastated by the recent bushfires.
The RFS worked tirelessly to contain the out-of-control bushfire and due to their efforts no homes were lost.
Ballina Shire Council received over $1.2 million in Federal Government grants to assist with revegetating and re-storing infrastructure as well as increasing its bushfire preparedness.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan today joined Mayor David Wright to announce the projects council have chosen.
“These funds were provided to Council to assist with the local-led recovery efforts,” Mr Hogan said.
“The recent bushfires devastated our community and it is important we rebuild together.”
“I would like to congratulate Ballina Shire Council on the way they have distributed the money.”
Cr Wright said it was a priority of Council to ensure recovery was undertaken in the timeliest manner possible.
“Council’s priority is to rapidly rebuild stronger and more resilient communities, focussing on the health and wellbeing of our people, as well as the repair of property and restoration of the environment,” Cr Wright said.
Projects in Ballina Shire Council area include:
- $225,000 for Asset Protection Zones (APZ)
- $500,000 for a new Rural Fire Service (RFS) Facility Lennox Head
- $200,000 for Koala Management and Biodiversity Conservation Strategies
- $300,000 for Indigenous Protected Area Repairs
