LGNSW welcomes the additional support for bushfire-affected councils and communities but wants long term solutions that build resilience into at-risk communities.

NSW State Government support for communities damaged by ongoing bushfires have included the commitment of $25 million towards clean-up efforts and waiving waste levy fees for residents and councils disposing of bushfire-generated waste, as well as $1 million to volunteer organisation BlazeAid to assist families affected by bushfires.

“Councils across NSW are working hard in the aftermath of last week’s bushfires that destroyed an estimated 530 homes, and the State Government’s timely support is most welcome,” said LGNSW President, Cr Linda Scott.

“But local governments have been seeking significant and more lasting changes to funding that would build greater resilience in regions dealing with natural disasters for some time now.

“Longer term solutions are critical to reduce risk and increase capacity for withstanding future natural disasters, such as fire and drought. Councils need funding that not only reflects communities’ capacity to recover from a disaster, but also builds future resilience so they are better equipped to endure them.”

LGNSW continues to call on the Federal Government to amend existing Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements so that, when infrastructure is replaced after a natural disaster, it is replaced with something more resilient and better able to withstand future events.

In the meantime, the organisation has initiated studies investigating more stable road-surfacing materials with the potential to save councils money.

“LGNSW is proud to be partnering with The University of Sydney to release an updated set of specifications for broken glass, crumb rubber and other materials in road pavement to create stronger, longer lasting roads that are better able to last through natural disasters,” said Scott.

Metropolitan councils are supporting regional councils battling natural disasters, such as City of Sydney promising $300,000 to the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS), $300,000 for the Country Women’s Association of NSW Drought Aid Appeal and an offer to provide infrastructure and services support to affected councils.

The South Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils will donate $110,000 to northern region councils, and Lane Cove Council has pledged drought aid to sister city Gunnedah.