Last round of bushfire recovery funds to help tourism projects

The jointly-funded Commonwealth and state government Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) fund has committed $283 million to 195 projects across the state in its second round of bushfire relief.

Over $25 million has been committed to projects in the Snowy Valleys, where the Dunns Road fire burnt roughly 45 per cent of the council area during the bushfires of 2019-20.

Projects have also been funded within Cootamundra-Gundagai, the Greater Hume Shire and Wagga City Council.

Notably, $4 million has been allocated for a Snowy Valleys sculpture trail, which will see Sydney-based organisation Sculpture by the Sea create a 100km long trail through the towns of Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba and Tooma. The project will also involve the construction of a world-class sculpture collection in Bago State Forest, near the site of the iconic Sugar Pine Walk which was destroyed by the bushfire.

Snowy Valleys major James Hayes said the project was "wonderful news" for the region.

"I know that we've got in David Handley (Sculpture by the Sea founder) a proven performer," he said.

Cr Hayes said that once the risk of COVID has lessened, the council plans to promote regional tourism further.

"We want people to come for not just a day, but come for the experience and for an extended period of time," he said, saying something like a multi-town sculpture trail could encourage this.

"Given the degree of the actual sculpture that we will have, I think people will be impressed by the quality and the beauty of sculpture."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council will be given funding to upgrade Pioneer Park. $980,000 will also be allocated to convert the Immaculate Conception Church at Muttama - recently deconsecrated - into a community cultural centre with adjoining accommodation.

Local Wiradjuri elders will be involved in the design and cultural programming. The building will facilitate three permanent installations, and also provide ongoing facilities for the local community to offer cultural services and attract visitors.

Abb McAlister, mayor of Cootamundra-Gundagai, said that the project will be carried out by an external organisation who presented their ideas to council in the past, which he found "impressive."

"It's good to see [their] hard work rewarded," he said of the funding.

A tourism project has also been announced for the broader Snowy Mountains with the aim of achieving recovery from the bushfires. More than $700,000 in funding will go towards a two-year tourism marketing campaign, seed funding for regional events, as well as industry and business development.

More than $400,000 will be provided to complete structural work on Adelong's historic swinging bridge and allow it to reopen, after it was first closed to the public in September 2019. Hanel's Lookout in Woomargama National Park will also be upgraded to create viewing platforms, walkways, signage and other amenities. More than $450,000 has been committed to the project with the aim of boosting the recovery of the local tourism industry.

More than 650 applications were made during Stage 2 of the BLER Fund, for projects in 47 council areas impacted by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: