Additional $1.8 million for Blue Mountains recovery

The Australian and NSW Governments have announced an additional $1.8 million to support the recovery efforts of the Blue Mountains community following the devastating fires in October 2013.

Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the additional funding will include grants for programs to support small business and community organisations, stating "this joint package will drive the economic and social growth of the Blue Mountains community over the next 18 months and build community preparedness for the future.

"This assistance demonstrates both the Commonwealth and NSW Governments' commitment to the Blue Mountains communities to assist them get back on their feet."

NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher said this additional funding is on top of the $11.4 million that the NSW and Commonwealth Governments provided to support the initial clean-up of the Blue Mountains.

Minister Gallacher explained "the NSW and Commonwealth Governments are providing the necessary staff support to the Blue Mountains City Council so that they are able to roll out this assistance for the longer term recovery.

"To continue assisting the Blue Mountains into the future, the NSW Ministry for Police and Emergency Services will also continue to Chair the Recovery Committee."

The additional package also includes funding for a new tourism campaign to encourage visitors to the Blue Mountains and promote the area as a top tourist destination.

To date the Government's Recovery Centre has provided support services for Blue Mountains residents with more than 1,300 visits, providing the Blue Mountains with a range of services offered from the Departments of Health and Education, Public Works, Disaster Welfare, Legal Aid, WorkCover and Fair Trading.

The Government-led outreach program to Blue Mountains residents has resulted in 6,000 visits to ensure immediate support needs were being met.

Image shows the Gardens of Stone in the Blue Mountains' Wolgan Valley.

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