The $46 million bushfire recovery program from the NSW Government is seeing work happening now to rebuild State forest roads and bridges lost in the 2019-2020 fire season.

Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the $46 million equity injection is part of the larger NSW Government $100 million COVID stimulus package, and will see Forestry Corporation repair damaged public infrastructure, and expand its Grafton and Blowering nurseries and begin planting activities in bushfire affected State forests.

“This is great news for the timber industry in the Grafton region which was devastated by the bushfires earlier in the year,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Forestry is an incredibly important industry in NSW, particularly in this area, which is why the NSW Government is committed to seeing the industry get back on its feet.”

One local project is replacing burnt bridges in Doubleduke State Forest, said Forestry Corporation of NSW Acting Forest Protection Manager, Peter Walters.

“We are partnering with local industries and contractors to repair or replace bridges and reopen main forest roads, while supporting the local timber industry,” Mr Walters said.

“In Doubleduke State Forest, we are working with Grafton-based business Big River Timbers to rebuild forest bridges using timber from NSW State Forests.

“This will mean Glencoe Road can reopen, a strategic forest access and firefighting road, as well as other forest roads in the area.”

Find out more about Forestry Corporation’s bushfire recovery program at www.forestrycorporation.com.au

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428058549