The Morrison Government is providing $2.44 million in funding to Cessnock to help prepare and minimise against future flood events at the Cessnock Levee bund wall.
Nationwide, the Morrison Government is providing $50 million for projects across the country under the National Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program.
The Program will fund or co-fund 22 separate projects in each state and territory to assist communities in preparing for future flood events.
Cessnock Councillors Paul Dunn and Rod Doherty said the delivery of this infrastructure program is a key part of the longer-term flood mitigation effort and enables the Cessnock community to build more flood resilience.
“We are pleased the Morrison Government has recognised the need here in Cessnock for additional flood preparedness and taken these steps to help protect the Cessnock community from an increase in dangerous weather events,” Cr Dunn said.
“The community here in Cessnock are going to see the benefits from this program through a reduction in the impacts of major flooding events, with additional flow-on benefits such as lower insurance costs and local job creation on work undertaken.” said Cr Doherty.
The Morrison Government is committed to helping local communities prepare for natural disasters and the funding for flood mitigation projects will ensure we’re ready when Mother Nature strikes again.
This funding is made possible through the Government’s $4 billion Emergency Response Fund, established in December 2019.
The ERF is a dedicated Australian Government investment fund. Under the legislation establishing the fund, $50 million may be drawn on each year to assist communities to build resilience and prepare for future natural disasters.