Ipswich will benefit from $620,000 to support bushfire recovery projects, jointly funded by the Queensland and Federal Governments.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann welcomed the local funding, which will provide $340,000 to enhance fire trails for use as recreational trails and $280,000 to construct a new meeting space within Fire Station 101 Business Incubation Hub.

“The 2020 bushfires had a major impact on the region and recovery was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Neumann said.

“I hope these projects will support job creation, business development and provide ongoing benefits locally.

“This region knows full-well the importance of disaster recovery and resilience building.

“Ten years ago, the region was devastated by the 2011 floods.

“We learnt a lot about the importance of disaster mitigation, preparation and building resilient communities.

“More importantly, we learnt that disaster recovery is most successful when it is locally-led with support from the State and Federal Governments.”

The projects are funded under the Local Economic Recovery program and administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA). The QRA was established to spearhead community recovery and rebuilding following the 2011 floods.

“It is important that those impacted by the 2020 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic feel their Governments are committed to helping them get back on their feet.

“I call on the Federal Government to remain focused and not take the foot off the pedal.

“Now is the time for the Federal Government to invest in vital infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy, create jobs and to meet the needs of this rapidly growing region.”