Council has agreed to use the $250,000 funding received through the joint federal/NSW disaster recovery funding arrangements for a business recovery support officer ($95,000), an events development manager ($95,000) and $60,000 to go towards destination marketing for the tourism industry.
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Business chambers, in particular Merimbula Chamber of Commerce, have been advocating for the use of the money for business recovery, event development and to support tourism.
Council's general manager Leanne Barnes explained that this was one stream of funding available to council for particular uses. Ms Barnes said that other industries such as agriculture and forestry would also have funding packages for which council would apply.
"We are making sure we are putting hands up for everything coming our way. We are advocating for other packages," Ms Barnes said.
The idea of an event development manager will be to assist develop new events and also to help existing events grow, assist with funding and sponsorship, secure major roving events and develop new out of season signature events.
The business recovery officer will help link businesses to support programs, support local business activities and assist in getting businesses online.
Council's director community, environment and planning, Dr Alice Howe said that the intention would be to engage contractors through council and they would then fall into council's remit.
The funding of $250,000 is provided through the Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund (BCRERF) to business recovery, tourism marketing activation and events development and coordination.
The BCRERF is provided through the joint Commonwealth-NSW Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Funding and is available to bushfire-affected local government areas.
Phase 1 of the BCRERF is focused on delivering immediate, small-scale funding to local councils that will start the community and economic recovery following the bushfires. The funds will deliver local recovery activities led by councils in partnership with other organisations.
Phase 2 of the BCRERF will be for larger-scale, regionally focused and more targeted projects that support the same objectives of Phase 1. The design and delivery of Phase 2 will be developed in consultation with councils and other key local stakeholders involved in the bushfire recovery process.
Council has agreed to apply for further funding under Phase 2 so that the event co-ordination role could be continued for an additional two years at least.
