The Jenolan Caves Trust is set to receive $7.9 million for repair and restoration work at the iconic tourism precinct, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced today.
Mr Toole said the investment in the Jenolan Caves precinct was recognition of the value the world heritage listed site had for the region, and the state, and of the unique requirements to repair the flood damage to it.
He said the targeted flood recovery funding for Jenolan Caves comes under a $200 million package of eight key sector programs, as well as $200 million to support rebuilding damaged infrastructure to disaster-resilient standards.
“It is anticipated that over the next two years, remediation work will make the Jenolan Caves precinct safe and restore access for visitors,” Mr Toole said.
“More than 70 LGAs were affected by storms and floods earlier this year, with 9700 people seeking direct support and assistance from local Recovery Centres and more than 34,000 seeking advice and assistance from Service NSW’s Disaster Customer Care Centre since March.
“The first two phases of recovery have already delivered significant funding supporting clean-up and providing dedicated grants for small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits.
“This new $400 million package of funds recognises the ongoing need to help industries bounce back, keep on staff, rebuild the infrastructure of our towns and safeguard the resilience of our local economies and people.
“The importance of this recovery package can’t be underestimated.”
The funding has been made available under shared NSW and Commonwealth Government disaster funding arrangements.