Lismore City Council is investing $685,000 to help make Nimbin bushfire ready after last year’s devasting fires.
Local emergency service infrastructure and facilities at Nimbin showgrounds will be upgraded under Lismore City Council’s $1.3 million Federal Government Bushfire recovery grant.
Lismore City Mayor Isaac Smith said $240,000 of the grant funding will be invested in improving emergency infrastructure, such as constructing turning circles for emergency vehicles on strategic roads in Nimbin, increasing the water supply capacity during bushfires by placing tanks in strategic locations and helping to upgrade technology at the Rural Fire Service’s headquarters.
The final details of these projects will be determined after consultation with the Nimbin community and Rural Fire Service.
“These upgrades are crucial to make sure our community is safe in times of emergencies,” Mayor Smith said.
“The Nimbin Showground, which played a crucial role as emergency evacuation centres during last year’s bushfires, will also receive funding of $445,000 to upgrade its facilities. This will allow us to keep our community safe and are prepared for any future bushfires.
“I would like to acknowledge Kevin Hogan and the Federal Government for providing the grant, which allowed us to prioritise where the money was spent after consulting with the community.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the projects were great news for the Nimbin community.
“As we saw in the recent bushfires the showground played an important role in providing accommodation those who were forced to flee their homes. I would like to thank both the Nimbin Showground committee for opening up their facilities during the emergency,” he said.
President of the Nimbin Showground Phil Williams said: “Showgrounds are always where the community comes together and nowhere was this more evident than the Nimbin Showground in November when hundreds and locals and their pets and animals sought refuge.”
Among nominated projects to be included in the $445,000 upgrade are:
- New awning and concrete slab adjoining main pavilion
- Enclose existing large shelter and install roller doors
- New awning and concrete slab to existing storage sheds
- Rebuild holding yards and shelter for cattle/horses
- New kitchen in the main pavilion
- New floor coverings to area in main pavilion
