It has been over a year since the Gospers Mountain bushfire started and Lithgow has received another $1 million in bushfire recovery funding.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This time the money will be going towards developing a local network of shared pathways at Farmers Creek.
The money comes from an infrastructure project through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced the funding would give residents more opportunities to get outside and active as well as attract visitors to the region.
Mr Toole said the project will build on plans to make Farmers Creek a green corridor of publicly accessible land complete with multi-purpose and accessible pathways suitable for walking and bike riding, that link to State Mine Creek and Lake Pillans Wetlands.
"This funding will help to deliver on the vision for a vibrant green space at Farmers Creek that can be enjoyed by the local community and those visiting to take in the sights of the surrounding area," Mr Toole said.
"Nature lovers and history buffs flock to Farmers Creek to enjoy touring the native wetlands and the heritage structures at Blast Furnace Park and this shared pathway network will encourage more people to visit the attractions here.
READ MORE:
"When complete, our community will enjoy the network of pathways that provide a scenic playspace to get some exercise, whether it's by bike or walking, serving to benefit locals' health and well-being."
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund has been designed to deliver infrastructure and initiatives that will boost economic and social recovery, increase community preparedness for future natural disasters and help to get residents back on their feet.
"Our regional communities have been doing it tough to say the least which is why we are backing projects that will put people back in work, retain existing jobs and stimulate local economies with a focus on improving essential community infrastructure and industry development," Mr Barilaro said.
"The funds delivered for these important projects will put people in work sooner and deliver a variety of shovel-ready projects and programs that will make a genuine difference to the lives of people living in regional communities."
Applications for a share of $250 million can be submitted in the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund open round, which opens on October 27.
Grants of between $200,000 and $20 million will be available to organisations through the open round, including councils, joint organisations, business chambers, charities, businesses and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver successful projects.